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Dr. Raj Kumar, President- IAFC, Hawaii Chapter & Founder & President Emeritus GIIP-Gandhi International Institute for Peace

Hawaii’s 4th International Yoga Day Celebration
on Tuesday June 21, 2022

Los Angeles, May 24, 2022
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/ A.Gary Singh

Yoga is a long-standing non-religious practice of Indian civilization and a gift to humanity. Yoga means union of lower self (instinctive mind) with higher self (divine) and universe. Yoga emphasizes physical fitness, non-stealing, non-attachment to material possessions, non-violence, truthfulness and discipline in daily routines and activities. Yoga along with Ayurveda is a way of life, and it can promote health and well-being. Yoga also gives us insight into addressing environmental concerns and facilitating world peace.

According to Dr. Raj Kumar, who is the author of the book on Yoga and Ayurveda, “The Secrets of Health and Healing”, a state of perfect health exists when there is a balance at the physical, mental/emotional and spiritual level. Yoga is not just physical exercise. It is a spiritual path to control the mind and senses. Yoga allows one to know one’s higher self and purpose in life. Yoga also encourages living in harmony with society and nature.

The Gandhi International Institute for Peace (GIIP) was founded by Dr. Raj Kumar in 2001. This Peace Institute has been promoting nonviolence and peace, raising awareness about healthy living, and educating youth in Hawaii.

The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution introduced by India recognizing June 21 as “International Day of Yoga” in 2014.

In 2019, GIIP initiated efforts with the Hawaii State Legislature that led to the enactment of Act 102 (Session Laws of Hawaii 2019) to designate June 21 of each year as “Internaitonal Yoga Day” (Section 8-31, Hawaii Revised Statues).  Hawaii is the first state in the nation to officially recognize International Yoga Day.

Women and men, yogis and yoginis throughout Hawaii and beyond have cultivated mindful yoga-like activities for the mind and body. 

GIIP is organizing its 4th annual International Yoga day event in-person from 5 PM to 7 PM HST at the Still and Moving Center (SMC) on Tuesday June 21, 2022. The SMC Yoga studio is located at 1024 Queen Street in Honolulu. This free event can also be viewed online by signing up at www.stillandmovingcenter.com or www.gandhianpeace.org

The program is being co-sponsored again this year by Renee Tillotson, Director of Still and Moving Center. The Still and Moving Center has been teaching Yoga and raising awareness about Yoga and its health benefits in Honolulu for over a decade. The theme of this year’s event is “Being Truly Human-focusing on the power of self-determination and choosing our way. It points to the humane aspect of being human, our “kuleana” (responsibility) to our fellow human beings and the other beings with whom we share the planet.” 

Dr. Deepak Chopra, world’s leading expert on Yoga, Meditation and Ayurveda will be our keynote speaker in this Yoga Day celebration. Other presenters include Dr. Raj Kumar, Dr. Suhas Kishirsagar, Professor Matthew LoPresti, Dr. Peeyush Kumar, Renee Tillotson, Jennifer Reuter and Willow Chang. Ms. Chang will also moderate the program.  The yoga asanas (postures) will also be demonstrated by instructors from the Still and Moving Center. 

Everyone is welcome to watch and enjoy this free event and feel inspired to make yoga a part of your holistic life.