Daijiworld Media Network- New York
New York, Apr 8: In a symbolic and serene gesture ahead of the 11th International Day of Yoga, the 102nd floor of New York’s iconic One World Trade Centre was transformed into a haven of peace and mindfulness as yoga mats unfurled against the backdrop of a rainy Manhattan skyline.
The Consulate General of India in New York hosted a special yoga session on Monday to mark the beginning of a 75-day countdown to the global celebration of Yoga Day, observed annually on June 21. The event was held at the One World Observatory atop the 1,776-foot-tall One World Trade Centre—the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and a poignant symbol of resilience.
Consul General Binaya Pradhan inaugurated the session, calling it a tribute not only to yoga’s global legacy but also to the enduring spirit of unity and healing. “This is more than a yoga session—it is a celebration of resilience, peace, and the power of togetherness,” he said, addressing participants who included members of the Indian diaspora, yoga practitioners, students, and guests.
The session was led by renowned instructor Ruchika Lal of the Art of Living Foundation, who guided the participants through a soulful practice of Yogasanas, meditation, breathwork, and mindfulness techniques. Speaking before the session, Lal reflected on the venue’s historical gravity, saying, “A place that once witnessed terror is now echoing peace and healing through yoga. That’s the transformative power of this ancient practice.”
The Consulate, in a post on X, described the observatory as a “symbol of resilience and hope,” noting that the morning session united people in “a shared celebration of health, harmony, and holistic living.”
The 75-day countdown marks the beginning of a series of yoga-themed events across the United States, including special sessions at Times Square, the United Nations headquarters, and other iconic locations. These will culminate in grand observances on June 21.
It may be recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had led a historic International Day of Yoga session at the North Lawn of the UN headquarters in 2023, nearly a decade after he proposed the global celebration during his address to the UN General Assembly in 2014.
As the world prepares to roll out yoga mats in unity once again, the spirit of peace and well-being continues to rise—this time, quite literally, from the top of the world.