Thousands of Americans participate in two-week-long Yogathon
Thousands of Americans participated in the annual Surya Namaskar Yogathon organized by a Hindu Sangha across the US to create awareness about yoga and its advantages in achieving a healthy body, mind, and spirit, according to a statement. The fortnight-long Health for Humanity Yogathon, also known as Surya Namaskar Yajna (SNY) concluded on January 31.
The annual event was organized by the Hindu Swyamsevak Sangha
The annual event organized by the Hindu Swyamsevak Sangha (HSS) was held in different locations across 43 states and was attended by elected officials, including Mayors, Congressmen, Senators, and State Governors.
US Senator and New York Governor applauded HSS
US Senator Sharrod Brown congratulated HSS for promoting a healthy lifestyle, while New York Governor Andrew Cuomo applauded the efforts to bring New Yorkers together to perform Surya Namaskars, saying it was a terrific organization, according to a media release. "We are happy and proud to conclude yet another successful year of our Health for Humanity Yogathon," said Ajay Joshi, HSS SNY national coordinator.
10,000 students performed over 48,000 Surya Namaskars
"The Surya Namaskar yoga practice integrates an easy breathing technique with simple postures of well-balanced, ten-step movements to provide immense health benefits for everyone, from beginners to yoga enthusiasts," Joshi said. "This year, close to 10,000 school students participated, performing over 48,000 Surya Namaskars. Thousands of participants collectively performed over a million Surya Namaskars," he further said.
Chicago Mayor declared January 16-31 as Health for Humanity Days
Mayor of Chicago Lori Lightfoot declared January 16-31 as Health for Humanity Days in Chicago. Denver Mayor Michael Hancock declared a Health for Humanity Yogathon Week in both the city and county of Denver acknowledging the participation of yoga studios, schools, and other community organizations.
HSS volunteers garnered accolades for their work with broader community
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey mentioned the community work performed by HSS volunteers, who routinely provide hot meals to the needy and help with COVID-19 relief. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said, "Yoga is for everyone," and expressed excitement while proclaiming a Health for Humanity Yogathon on January 31, 2021, for Portland. Congressman Scott Peter appreciated HSS for its work with the broader community.
The annual event was first launched in 2007
"The annual event was first launched in 2007 to create awareness about yoga and its advantages in fostering a healthy body, mind, and spirit for any practitioner regardless of faith, gender, or ethnicity," the statement said.
Wide variety of elected officials laud the event each year
The event is free for the public and is regularly lauded by many elected officials each year, including a partnership with former First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move initiative in 2011 and US Representative Dr. Bill Foster in 2017. "This year 172 elected officials, including congressional leaders, governors, and mayors, lauded HSS for this project and the community benefits," HSS said in a statement.
HSS aims to coordinate Hindu Americans to advance Hindu Dharma
HSS is a voluntary, non-profit, social, educational, and cultural organization. Sangh, as the organization is popularly known, aims to coordinate the Hindu American community to practice, preserve, and advance ideals and values of Hindu Dharma, according to the HSS website.
