Chicago Marks 12th International Day of Yoga with Grand Community Celebration

 

 

Chicago - Federation of Indian Associations (FIA-Chicago), together with ICNT, United Senior Pariwar, and Hanuman Mandir, in collaboration with the Consulate General of India, celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga. Deputy Consul General Sanjeev Pal, ICNT President Rohit Joshi, United Senior Parivar President Ramesh Choksi, representatives of host Hanuman Mandir, FIA-Chicago President Hemant Patel, and many community leaders including Virendra Patel, Jagdish Hingu, Pramod Joshi, Sanjay Vora, Smitesh Shah, Bhanubhai Vyas, Usha Kamaria, Kruti Pandya, Anil Singh, Arvind Ankleshwaria, Joy (Dipen) Shah, Bhavesh Patel, and Satheesan Nair participated in the event. Organizational leaders, and about 100 community members also attended. Despite the rain, turnout was very good.

 

The event began with ICNT President Rohit Joshi welcoming everyone and honoring the guests. Jignesh Dixit and his team of Yoga instructors from Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) conducted an excellent session. The celebration served as a reminder of the importance of Yoga in our daily lives. Deputy Consul General Sanjeev Pal emphasized the significance and benefits of Yoga.

 

Hemant Patel, President of FIA-Chicago (est. 1980) and Founder of ShreeSanatan Sewa Foundation, said that like Ayurveda, Zero, Pi, radio waves, and trigonometry, Yog (Yoga) is one of Bharat’s greatest gifts to the world—more specifically, a gift of Hindus to humanity. He stated that no one should hesitate to acknowledge this fact, as Yoga was developed by Hindu rishis for the betterment of mankind. All Hindus, and indeed all Bharatiyas, should take pride in this heritage. Secularism does not mean hiding or distorting facts; the truth should be stated as it is.

 

He also shared that he has practiced Yog almost every day since the age of ten and that it has greatly benefited his life. He stressed that Yog should be practiced daily rather than being limited to a one-day ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi played a key role 12 years ago in establishing International Yoga Day. Today, it is celebrated worldwide, with millions benefiting from this ancient Hindu knowledge. Yoga is not merely physical exercise; it is the harmonious integration of mind, soul, breath, body, and spirituality—a complete science in itself. The event was jointly organized by four organizations and also conveyed an important message of collaboration. Organizations should not compete with one another; they should unite and work together when needed. This event served as an excellent example of cooperation and unity for other organizations to follow.