Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
EVENT: United Nations hosts World Yoga Day observance on North Lawn
Summary
The United Nations hosted a public International Day of Yoga event on June 21, 2025, featuring remarks from India's UN ambassador, a demonstration of common yoga protocol by Art of Living instructors, and a guided meditation by Deepak Chopra.
The United Nations hosted an International Day of Yoga observance on the North Lawn on June 21, 2025, marking the 11th annual World Yoga Day. The program included opening and closing remarks by Parvatha Nenani Harish, India's permanent representative to the United Nations; a demonstration of the common yoga protocol led by Richa Dechnay of The Art of Living; and a guided meditation led by Dr. Deepak Chopra.
Harish noted that the UN General Assembly unanimously designated June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2015 and said this year's theme, "Yoga for One Earth, One Health," reflects the connection between individual wellness and planetary health. Richa Dechnay led participants through breathing exercises (kapalabhati), loosening exercises, standing and seated asanas including tree and tadasana, twists, backbends, cobra, locust, bridge, and relaxation (savasana). The Art of Living team also presented an advanced asana demonstration.
Dr. Deepak Chopra led a guided meditation and a series of self-inquiry prompts (Atma Vichar) and mindfulness exercises, guiding participants through awareness of breath, sensation, sound, images, and expanding awareness outward to the city, planet and universe. He concluded with a brief mantra practice and a relaxation period.
Organizers thanked The Art of Living, Dr. Chopra, program emcee Denise Scott (chair of the International Day of Yoga Committee at the United Nations), and event sponsors State Bank of India and Bharat Electronics Limited. Attendees were invited to collect goodie bags, mats, and T-shirts at the event's close.
This event was a ceremonial observance and did not involve deliberation, votes, or policy action by a governing body.
