GOPIO, Indian Consulate Partner For Global, Virtual, Yoga Event

India-West Staff Reporter

NEW YORK, NY – The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), in partnership with the Consulate General of India in New York, co-hosted a virtual celebration of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025 on June 22, bringing together participants from across the world for a unique and interactive experience.

This year’s online event was anchored by Emmy-nominated filmmaker and Happy Life Yoga speaker Tirlok Malik, whose light-hearted, “no mats needed” yoga philosophy set the tone for a session filled with mindfulness, joy, and community spirit. The program featured chair yoga, breathing techniques, meditation, and laughter exercises, blending wellness practices with elements of entertainment and conversation.

India’s Consul General in New York, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, inaugurated the event, encouraging the Indian diaspora to adopt yoga as a daily practice for holistic well-being. In his remarks, Dr. Thomas Abraham, GOPIO International Chairman and advisor to GOPIO-Manhattan, emphasized GOPIO’s commitment to promoting Indian heritage and wellness across the global Indian community.

A diverse panel of speakers shared personal insights and their “mantras” for happiness. Among them were Indu Jaiswal, Chairperson of the Indian American Forum, and Beena Kothari, President of GOPIO New York. They joined voices from the U.S., Canada, India, Mexico, New Zealand, and the African continent in making the event truly global.

The event continued a tradition led by Bhavya Gupta and Shivender Sofat, founding members of GOPIO Manhattan, who have consistently organized the annual celebration.

Siddharth Jain, GOPIO International Secretary and a founding member of GOPIO Manhattan, delivered the vote of thanks and wrapped up the session with a final laughter exercise, leaving participants uplifted and connected in the spirit of yoga.