2Nd International Day of Yoga Celebrations By s1

2 nd International Day of Yoga Celebrations by Consulate General of India, Birmingham

CGI Birmingham celebrated the 2nd International Day of Yoga on 18th June 2016 in association with Indian communities and yoga learning institutions at Centre for Oneness, Sant Nirankari Satsang Bhawan, Wednesbury, Birmingham. Representatives of Patanjali Yogpeeth, Sant Nirankari Mission, Isha Foundation, The Art of Living, Brahma Kumaris, Hindu Initiative for Global Harmony, Hindu Swayam Sevak Sangha(UK), Manavata, Purna Vidya, Viswa Hindu Parishad and Sandwell City Council participated in the celebration. 2. Baroness Sandeep Verma, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for International Development, UK graced the event as Chief Guest. About two hunderd people from across the Midlands including the Deputy Mayor of Sandwell City Council, Councillor Susan Downing, Councillors from Wolverhampton, Sandwel, Rugby, Coventry etc., Yoga Experts/Gurus, students, teachers, medical professionals, Leaders/representatives of various communities participated in the event. 3. Baroness Verma and Consul General started off the event with opening of the Photo Exhibition on Yoga (by Benoy Behl). Following brief addresses by Consul General and Baroness Verma, the video messages of Hon'ble Prime Minister and Hon'ble Minister for External Affairs were screened. 4. Most of the participants performed yoga as per the Common Yoga Protocol, which was supported by audio-vidual display on large screens and live demonstrations by Yoga Experts. Acharya Praveen Kumar talked about "Yoga Darshan", Dr. Ashok Kumar on "Yoga & Ayurveda a path for global health", Mr. Raj Fulchand on "Pranayam", Mr. H. S. Bhatia (Upashakji) on "Seva and Karma Yoga", Mr. Praveen Atma Kumar on "Gnana Yoga" and Dr. T. Jotangia on "Yoga and Wellbeing". Acharya Praveen Kumar conducted a mass meditation. 5. On the sidelines of the celebrations, twelve workshops on Yoga, Meditation, Ayurved and Wellness were conducted by Patanjali Yogpeeth, Brahma Kumaris, Isha Foundation and Art of Living. "Yoga: Aligning to the source" was screened and cultural programs were organized in the afternoon session. Booklets and DVDs on Common Yoga Protocol were distributed among the participants. 6. The local population was well represented in the event having presence from across all sections of the society including students, teachers, healthcare professionals, yoga experts, community leaders, old and retired people, young professionals, political representatives, local govt. officials etc. Many people attended the yoga workshops and mass meditation. The participants highly appreciated the efforts to popularize Yoga across the world.

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