The spectacularcelebrations of International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2022 concluded at Sydney. The grand IDY celebration was organised by Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, (SVCC), Consulate General of India (CGI), Sydneyin association with Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur (SRMD)at the iconic Centennial Hall, Sydney Town Hall, NSW. Records turn out over 400+yoga enthusiasts, community members across the nationalities participated in this IDY celebrations.As a special gesture of Amrit Mahotsav, the heritage music organ of the Centennial Hall was lit in Indian tricolour.
The event was inaugurated with traditional lamp lighting ceremony (deep prajwalan) by Hon. Consul General of India, Sydney Mr. Manish Gupta, Former Leader of the Opposition, NSW Ms. Jodi McKay, Deputy Mayor Gordon NSW Ms. Barbara Ward, Representative, Lord Mayor Clr.Clover More, Hon. Mayor,Sydney City Council-Councillor HY William Chan, Director SVCC, Sydney Mr. Ramanand Garge, President SRMD Dr. Dhaval Ghelani, Chief Executive, Bank of Baroda, Sydney Mr. Raveesh Kumar.
The program began on a serene note of chanting Shanti Path from Yajur Veda by multicultural students of John Colet School, Belrose West NSW. The John Colet School is proud to execute Sanskrit as one of its prominent curriculumsubjects over 3 Decades.
To compliment the occasion, renowned Yoga Acharya of Sydney Dr. Amit Sharma along with his disciples and little yogis of Dhamma Yoga Sydney enthralled the audience with the series of complex yoga posture & poses reflecting the balanced & dedication of yogis. After such wonderful beginning the audience were mesmerized by soul soothing performance of Sydney based artist Mr. Vikas Pawar (Flute) & supported by Mr. Aman Pal (Tabla). The duo presented placid composition Raag Yaman.In the balanced & tranquil backdrop began the yoga proceedings comprised of various yoga posters(Asana) breathing exercises, and peaceful meditation by Dr. Bijal Ghelani& volunteers of SRMD Australia.Dr. Bijal Ghelani along with the volunteers of SRMD conducted the proceedings with so much of ease so that attendees across all age groups & physical ability performed & participated the proceedings with ease & smile on the face.
The program concluded with vote of thanks by Dr. Dhaval Ghelani President of SRMD Australia. During the celebrations, the winners of exclusive yoga posture photo and video contests (Adult & Kids) were rewarded&felicitated bydignitaries.The guests highlighted significance of yoga in daily life for enhancing quality of life and maintaining the balance lifestyle.The National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Southern Cross UniversityLismore, Australia where health professionals, University staff members & community joined the program with great enthusiasm.On this occasion, IDY event was organised by Ryde Secondary College Ryde NSW. Students performed various postures & meditations. The program was organised in collaboration with Yimiri Australia, SRMD Australia and addressed by MP representing Bennelong @jeromelaxale & authorities of Ryde Secondary College.
SVCC, CGI Sydney also collaborated with distinguished local organizations such as, Art of Living (Sydney and Adelaide), Yoga in Daily Life, Dhamma Yoga and Heartfulness for organising pre-Yoga Day activities such as curtain raisers and yoga photo shoot competitions.SVCC CGI Sydney in association with Art of living organised various Yoga events in Sydney at CathedralNSW, and in Adelaide, South Australia.The IDY celebrations aimed to encourage people adopt healthy lifestyle through connecting the youth to the ancient practice of Yoga and to get win over all the health challenges through regular yoga practice.