Embracing the True Essence of Yoga This International Day
New York: As the world prepares to mark the International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21, a unique event in the United States aims to remind people of yoga’s deeper, spiritual meaning—beyond just the physical postures.
Titled “The Spirit of Yoga”, this special celebration is being co-hosted by the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization on June 22 at Global Harmony House, a peaceful retreat center in Great Neck, Long Island. Organizers say the event is designed to reconnect participants with the inner essence of yoga—a path of awareness, self-realization, and spiritual harmony.
Unlike most yoga events that emphasize flexibility and physical exercise, this gathering focuses on yoga as a holistic way of being. Around 250 people are expected to attend in person, with many more joining virtually from across the globe.
Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, the Consul General of India in New York, will serve as the chief guest. He will speak about yoga as a valuable gift from India to the world. He’ll be joined by BK Mohini Didi, the chief administrative head of the Brahma Kumaris international organization, along with other spiritual leaders and yogic practitioners who embody the true spirit of yoga.
“In today’s commercialized wellness world, yoga is often reduced to fitness,” said Gayatri Naraine, the Brahma Kumaris’ NGO representative at the United Nations. “But the true spirit of yoga is about connecting to our highest self, to the Supreme, through spiritual awareness.”
Parveen Chopra, co-moderator of the event and founding editor of ALotusInTheMud.com, emphasized that yoga should be seen in its complete form, as outlined in Patanjali’s 8-limbed path. “Yoga finds its fulfillment in dhyan (meditation),” he said. “Asanas are just one part of the journey.”
The serene venue, Global Harmony House, is the regional headquarters of the Brahma Kumaris for the Americas and the Caribbean. The celebration there is intended to offer an immersive experience that blends contemplation, spirituality, and joyful community connection.
As the International Day of Yoga is celebrated worldwide, “The Spirit of Yoga” aims to shift the focus back to yoga’s original purpose—spiritual elevation and inner peace.
Kanchan Chaurasiya joined Medical Dialogues in 2025 as a Media and Marketing Intern. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Arts from Delhi University and has completed certifications in digital marketing. She has a strong interest in health news, content creation, hospital updates, and emerging trends. At Medical Dialogues, Kanchan manages social media and also creates web stories to enhance mobile content reach and audience engagement.