International Day of Yoga Report 2016 Hundreds of organizations worldwide, whether NGOs and otherwise, celebrated United Nations International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2016 by hosting, or co-hosting, a variety of events. These events aimed at sensitizing the public to the various practices and benefits of doing yoga on a daily basis, while at the same time allowing them to be involved and have a hands-on experience. The Brahma Kumaris was one of the many organizations who participated in a very big way. Below is a summary of activities that took place in a number of countries, including their participation at UN Head quarters in New York.

United Nations New York The Brahma Kumaris at United Nations, NY, participated in four events to celebrate the second International Day of Yoga. Please find below brief reports on each program.

Thursday, July 16 Yoga: Healing the Integral Being from Trauma to Resilience. The International Day of Yoga Committee at the UN (of which the Brahma Kumaris are vice-chair) held an event with the NGO Committee on the Status of Women (NY). Denise Scotto, the Chair of IDY committee gave an introduction speaking of Yoga as a unifying force and an approach to life that deeply benefits our relationships and the way we show-up in the world. Blanche Manago, a student of the Brahma Kumaris and a Hatha Yoga teacher spoke of the understanding of the relationship between the self (spirit) and the body and how this awareness can greatly benefit the well-being of the whole person. She then lead the participants in gentle breathing and stretching yoga exercises, which seemed to relax everyone and change the atmosphere in the room. Tara Tonini, program director of Exhale to Inhale, then explained how her organization goes into safe houses for women who are survivors of domestic violence, and conducts yoga classes. She shared how transformative the experience is for many of the women, contributing to a renewed sense of self-respect and empowerment. The event was concluded with a meditation commentary led by Julia Grindon-Welch, UN rep of the Brahma Kumaris.

BKs Blanche Manago, (4th from left) Julia Grindon-Welch (5th from left) Madhavi Patele (2nd from right) with Denise Scotto (4th from right) and members of the NGOCSW committee with Tara Toni (first right)

Monday, June 20 Yoga for the Achievement of the SDGs Yoga for the Achievement of the SDGs #Yoga4SDGs was a discussion hosted by the Permanent Mission of India and the UN Department of Public Information (DPI) held in the ECOSOC Chamber of UNHQ. This was a conversation with Yoga Masters featuring Jaggi Vasudev, also known as 'Sadhguru', and Ms. Tao Porchon-Lynch. It was a very enjoyable event and both Yoga Master gave special insights. Ms. Tao Portion-Lynch is 97 years young. Tao believes that following the principles of yoga can heal individuals and by extension, help heal our planet. She exemplifies the positive “can-do spirit” that can accomplish anything - saying, "There is nothing you cannot do". The Sadhguru spoke of many aspects of yoga with depth and yet simplicity. He said Yoga was fundamentally about well-being - everyone's and everything’s well-being. That our failures today are because we are focused so much on our individual gain. He pointed out that for anything to be sustainable all parties had to gain - like any marriage it will only be successful if it is beneficial for both parties. An individual world vision will only work against us in the end, if we have a vision that benefits all, it works. Yoga doesn't belong to India, if that were true we could also say that the law of gravity belongs to Europe. After the main Yoga Masters spoke, respondents from the UN Community shared their experience of how Yoga supported the new sustainable development agenda. Denise Scotto was honored to be the only civil society respondent!!

Tuesday 21 The 2nd International Day of Yoga at the United Nations in New York was celebrated during the lunch hour in the UN Secretariat Circle, just in front of the UNHQ secretariat building. It was a hot sunny day and yet 100's attended sitting on their mats being led in mediation by the SadGuru. Members of the Brahma Kumaris also attended. Also yoga postures illuminating the UN Secretariat Building were shown over the 2 days of events for International Day of Yoga at the UN.

Wednesday 22 Yoga: Connecting Discernment to Decision-Making Sponsored by the International Day of Yoga Committee at the UN (of which the Brahma Kumaris are

Vice-Chair), this event was held at UNFPA in New York. It opened with a short hatha yoga demonstration by Hana Alhashimi, Yoga Teacher and Development Advisor at the UAE Mission to the UN, encouraging the audience to participate. Denise Scotto, Chair of the IDY Committee at the UN, then set the context and moderated the discussion by inviting an inter-disciplinary panel to share their perspectives. BK (Sister) Mohini Panjabi, an experienced meditator and spiritual educator, and Main Representative of the Brahma Kumaris to the UN, spoke of how meditation is really the inner conversation with the self that connects us to our innate qualities such as peace. The practice of meditation quieted the mind away from outside influences of the world and the 'noise from within' that drives our habitual thinking patterns often leading us to stress and bad decisions. In a space of peace we are better able to connect to our conscience; our pure self. When we discern from this state of awareness our decisions and actions will be filled with the qualities of peace and truth leading to a good outcome that brings benefit to the self and everyone else. You can read full report here: https://goo.gl/PrhMZg

BK Mohini

Panel of Speakers

Aruba On Sunday 19th June, the International Day of Yoga was celebrated on invitation of Prana Yoga Meditation Center in collaboration with the Indian Association of Aruba. The event took place on Eagle Beach, one of Aruba's beautiful beaches, where 10 Hatha Yoga groups and Brahma Kumaris demonstrated yoga. The beauty of this event was the feeling of meeting one another from a pure space inside which brought all the 80 participants close, giving the feeling of real spiritual friendship. A second event was on the 21 June in the center of the Brahma Kumaris where vibrations of love, peace, compassion, and forgiveness were shared with the global family through meditation.

Austria Vienna On Sunday, June 19, the Brahma Kumaris attended and participated in the celebration organized by the Indian Embassy and its cooperative partners at the Stadtpark. A range of different yoga styles and benefits were presented by various yoga groups, including the Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga, where anyone could participate. Mr. Navneet Singh Arora, Assistant Marketing Manager at the Indian Embassy graced the occasion. To read full report, click here: https://goo.gl/BmuZ0m

Australia Fitzroy The Kriya Yoga Organisation invited the BK’s to do a 10min presentation on Raja Yoga with the 100 participants on their yoga mats. This was the only form of meditation yoga that was demonstrated. Even the children present enjoyed the stillness. There was a good opportunity for deep discussion on yoga and the feedback from the organizer was encouraging.

Melbourne UN International Day of Yoga was celebrated in an historic building near Southern Cross Station, one of Melbourne’s major transport hubs in the CBD. An evening of gentle guided meditations with interludes of silence entitled ‘stillness’ was presented where over 80 people (of all ages, men and women) gathered. The atmosphere sparkled for one hour with the transcendent tones of BK Carmen’s voice and music from Australia’s Master percussionist, BK David Jones. BKs Barbara and Kalvinder added readings and commentaries on stillness after BK Julie introduced the evening with gentle, seated movement to lead into the meditation.

Perth Shenton Park A small group of 10 gathered to demonstrate practical Raja Yoga by sharing feelings of peace and care to world for one hour. International Day of Yoga banners were displayed to sensitize the public. The Indian Consulate worked really hard to promote this in Perth and contacted all yoga groups to come together. There was a big celebration at the Ascot Racecourse during the day and many souls participated. It was really good to see the ancient art of yoga reach out to the modern lifestyle and got embraced.

Padbury This day was celebrated with powerful Meditation with 17 souls for one hour. Peaceful and serene energy filled the room leaving a wave of deep silence. A member of the Yoga Day organizing team and Director of Australian Swan Pty Ltd and Avenews Magazine joined the meditation, and shared his experience with his team as well as the Indian Consulate: "Last night I attended Brahmakumaris Yoga celebration, it was such an amazing experience I had, as I came out of the event, felt like the soul was rinsed. Thank you....."

Brazil Sao Paulo A special programme, Experiments on Meditation, was held in the Brahma Kumaris center of Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Sunday, June 19, to celebrate the International Day of Yoga, 2016. Ms. Anna Doiliani, coordinator of Brahma Kumaris activities in Lebanon, was there and facilitated some experiments on Raja Yoga Meditation to the 120 participants who were present. Ms. Luciana Ferraz, coordinator of Brahma Kumaris in Brazil, also participated helping with the consecutive translation. Here is a link to the MP3 recording: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5UGlF5W1xqFd1RFYnF0UnhaRmM/view?usp=sharing

Ms. Anna Doiliani

Canada Brampton The Brampton celebration, organized by the Art of Living Centre, was a whole day event held at the Brampton Soccer Centre. Hundreds of souls came throughout the day. The Brahma Kumaris presentation was similar to the Mississauga presentation. This too was a great success and many souls showed appreciation for enabling them to have an experience of meditation. The Mayor of Brampton, Hon. Linda Jeffrey and two members of Parliament, Hon. Sonia Sidhu and Hon. Ruby Sahota, were in attendance and visited the booth. It was a great opportunity to meet them for the first time since the last elections and get acquainted.

Mayor of Brampton, Hon. Linda Jeffrey and BK students

BK Sisters with Ms. Sonia Sidhu, Member of Parliament

Calgary Since IDY fell on the same day as National Aboriginal Day (NAD) in Canada, the celebration was linked! The hour session was dedicated to a meditative, lecture-style experience where 60 people reflected on three points of commonality between the two observances (i.e. IDY and NAD) • Focus on the literal definition of Yoga: Union and Connection. Whether a fragmented being or a

culture, there is a longing for re-union with something lost. The method for both is a reconnection with the original, a place where wisdom and accuracy naturally flourishes. Raja Yoga is almost entirely about accessing eternal memories in order to restore the original and spiritual sense of self. National Aboriginal Day is about respecting an original way of life within the self and with respect to the environment. In doing so, both encourage inner and outer harmony. • Recognize a call for clarity: Yoga opens the third eye of insight and discernment, while National Aboriginal Day draws attention to the wisdom of elders, ancient generations, and perhaps a more pure time of existence. Raja Yogis and First Nations tend to both embrace a tradition of storytelling in the name of understanding; yoga, or connection, with the larger story. • Acknowledge the importance of healing from inside out. Whether reclaiming the dignity of self, or restoring the dignity of a culture - forgiveness is essential.

The event ended with a short, outdoor meditation in the Centre of Calgary (a historic site at 1111 Memorial Drive), which sites right on the Bow River.

Mississauga The Mississauga Yoga Day celebration was in collaboration with the Mississauga Waterfront Festival. The Chairperson, Ajit Khanna; Committee Members, Anu Srivastava of Panorama and Dr. Bhalla, provided a platform for the Brahma Kumaris to make a 25 minutes presentation on Raja Yoga Meditation - an introduction to the Brahma Kumaris, a message for the celebration, introduction to meditation with commentary and the Om Shanti (peace) song. A group of 13 Yogis demonstrated Raja Yoga Meditation on the stage in front of a very attentive audience who truly had an experience of peace and relaxation. There was also a Booth where many souls received more information. The Wheel of Virtues was a huge attraction. The Special Guests included the Indian Consul General of Toronto, Hon. Mr. Dinesh Bhatia and the Mayor of Mississauga, Hon. Miss Bonnie Crombie. The Consul General was very happy to meet the BKs

and showed interest in the work they do. Mayor Bonnie Crombie visited the booth and spun the wheel of virtues. She expressed her appreciation of the work of the Brahma Kumaris.

Indian Consul-General, Srs. Shobna and Savi, Br. Balwant

Mayor of Mississauga, Hon. Bonnie Crombie visits the BK booth

Balwant Patel, of London who was visiting, took part in both celebrations and met with the Special Guests. The team comprised of nearly 50 souls.

Montreal L'Emergence, the Brahma Kumaris centre in Montreal, chose to celebrate the International Day of Yoga by enjoying Mother Nature's simplicity. A group of enthusiastic meditators gathered in a park near the meditation center to spread peaceful vibrations during a powerful 45-minute meditation. The music of the birds and the breeze, as well as the beautiful evening sunset were the featured elements of that simple and beautiful moment shared with the community.

China Guangzhou The Consulate General of India in Guangzhou asked the Brahma Kumaris to be the co-organizers with the Indian Embassy to celebrate the Second International Day of Yoga. It was a 4 hours program in which about 400 people benefitted. Hatha Yoga teachers from Yoga Sutra College were also invited and they did a presentation for one hour. The Brahma Kumaris were fortunate to be given two hours during which a new perspective of Yoga, Raj Yoga, was explained through videos, silent meditations and guided meditations along with some moving meditation. Many important people of the province were present along with the Ambassador of India in China.

Egypt Cairo The local Brahma Kumaris participated in the celebration organized by the Indian Government in Cairo.

Germany

Bonn Cologne For a brief report, please read here: https://goo.gl/ypRfWf

Frankfurt The second International Day of Yoga was organized by the Indian Consulate in Frankfurt in partnership with other organizations. To read more, please go here: https://goo.gl/kpKZN5

Guyana Georgetown The Indian High Commission of Guyana brought together six organisations, including Brahma Kumaris, in staging an IDY event at the Everest Cricket Club in Georgetown on Sunday, June 19, 2016. Along with a crystal clear video message by Indian Prime Minister, Mr. N. Modi, and a live message by Indian High Commissioner, H.E. Mr. V. Mahalingam, the program focused on the promotion of yoga generally, and included practical demonstrations of Hatha Yoga. BK’s presented an explanation and practice session of Raja Yoga Meditation. This was supported by exhibits depicting Yoga in Daily Life: Mastery of the Five Senses and Union with the Supreme.

Indian High Commissioner with BK Jean

Participants at the Yoga event

Also staged the same day at the Leonora Secondary School was another IDY event organised by an enthusiastic group of youths, the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, and was similar in content to that of the first event. The BK’s did a presentation on Clarity in Decision Making, along with guided meditation.

Brahma Kumaris, Georgetown BK’s held a public program at the main centre in Georgetown under the theme of Clarity in DecisionMaking. UN Resident Coordinator, Mrs. Khadija Musa, spoke on the great range of decision-making challenges that are faced at different levels, making reference to her own experience in working at the UN. She shared her personal aspirations, highlighting the potential for yoga to improve one's decisionmaking capacity. She cited that governments change but communities don't, and people need to hold together a vision of self-control and leadership in order to live harmoniously. Participants engaged in small group discussions on a decision-making scenario, which added lots of life to the gathering and made the evening a pleasure as well as one for deep reflection. The basis for decision-making was highlighted as being clarity of mind which comes through meditation and the ability to remain free from negative influences. All together, about 300 people benefitted.

Ms. Musa addressing the gathering

Small group discussion on decision-making

India Chandigarh On the Eve of International Yoga Day, a Public Programme was organized at Raj Yoga Bhawan Sector-33, Chandigarh, on the topic, Rajyoga for Peace and Happiness in Daily life. Among the audience were a number of dignitaries: Sh. Sanjay Tandon, State President of BJP, Chandigarh; Dr. Rakesh Sharma, Director, AYUSH, Punjab; Rajyogini BK Sheilu Didi JI, Director Rajyoga Shivir, Mount Abu; Hon'ble Justice AN Jindal JI (Retd.), Chairman VAT Tribunal, Punjab; and BK Prakash Bhai, Mount Abu

Prime Minister H.E. Narendra Modi with H.E. Sh. Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, Punjab, and BKs in Chandigarh

Lucknow On the occasion of International Yoga Day, the Central Reserve Police Force and Nehru Yuva Kendra Organization co-hosted an event at the Babu Singh Stadium. Home Minister of the Government of India, Shri Rajnath Singh was the chief guest. Brahma Kumaris, along with representatives of several yoga institutes, shared about the benefits and uniqueness of yoga in daily life. At the end of the programme, Hon'ble Home Minister was presented with a momentum by Rajyogini Radhaji to honour this day.

Indonesia Bali The International Yoga Day 2016 in Denpasar, Bali was celebrated on 19/06/2016 where Brahma Kumaris representatives participated by leading the entire gathering in Raja Yoga Meditation. The current Ambassador of India to Indonesia, H E. Mrs Nengcha Lhouvum Mukhopadhaya was the chief guest was presented a book, “Companion of God”, by BK Janaki

Italy Rome In a dialogue between young and experienced Meditators, the Brahma Kumaris in Rome celebrated the UN International Day of Yoga at the Embassy of India offering ways to move from Fear, Worry and Anger to Peace, Courage and Stability. The benefits of ‘Raja Yoga Meditation for All Ages was shared. About 25 people benefitted. During the Open Yoga Class held at the Hanging Gardens of the Auditorium – Parco della Musica - and practicing of the International Yoga Protocol, The Brahma Kumaris shared guided meditation to a group of 300 participants.

Food and Agriculture Organization to the UN, Rome This event is a celebration of the second United Nations International Day of Yoga. It is a FAO Staff Coop activity in partnership with the Embassy of India. Practitioners and teachers from different disciplines shared personal experiences and best practices in order to give participants a feel for the benefits of yoga and meditation. Wendy Farrington, from the Brahma Kumaris, spoke on the panel about Raja Yoga Meditation. The event was interspersed with traditional Indian music. Other speakers included the Director of Human Resources, WFP, the Staff Counselor of the Medical Service of FAO, the Ambassador of India and experts from different yoga and meditation disciplines. About 200 participants benefitted.

A video recording can be watched here: http://www.fao.org/webcast/home/en/item/4130/icod

Japan Kobe and Tokyo For a summary of the celebration, please go here: https://goo.gl/uDHTdS

Kazaksthan Almaty On June 19, 2016 International Day of Yoga event took place at the Kazakh National University stadium where 1200 people participated. Main organizers and supporters were: Embassy of the Republic of India in Kazakhstan, second secretary Representation Office of India, Mr. Naveen Kapoor; the UN Representative, Mr. Samek; InCham – Indian Chamber of Commerce and Culture; Kazakh National University; 18 local centers of Yoga, including the Brahma Kumaris.

Kenya Nairobi Once again, the Brahma Kumaris played an important role in the organization and execution of the 2nd International Day of Yoga 2016 in Kenya. Four months prior to the main event, free “Introduction to Yoga” sessions were held in Schools, Corporations, Prisons, Government, Cultural & Spiritual Centres. Approximately 8000 people shared this experience. In the organization of the event, the Brahma Kumaris facilitated and played a major role in its promotion by means of interviews and adverts in Media houses. Of the 500 volunteers, the Brahma Kumaris made up 25. Having worked closely with other yoga organisations and partners, a record crowd of 6800 people attended the Main Event on the Nairobi University Convocation Crowds. The event was also attended by dignitaries including the High Commissioner of India, The Inspector General, the Director General of the United Nations Office, Nairobi, and several Cabinet Secretaries. Co – MC, BK Kiuri, conducted a meditation which gave the experience of the inner self and the peace that lies within. Meditation session was held by Sister Pratiba The event was a great success drawing the largest number of people practicing Yoga together in Africa. Most in the crowd were experiencing Yoga for the first time and hugely positive reviews were shared and received.

Kuwait The Brahma Kumaris Centre, Harmony House, organized two events to celebrate International Day of Yoga and participated in the program organized by the Indian Embassy in Kuwait. About 155 people attended.

Madagascar Antananarivo Below is a photo report of a full day International Yoga Day celebration at the Hotel Carlton in Antananarivo, Madagascar on 18th June 2016.

Curtain raiser

Press Conference with BK Francois of France, in Madagascar

Pavilions at the Carlton Hotel, including the BK booth

Francois Becher sharing on Raja Yoga Meditation

Malaysia Kuala Lumpur In conjunction with International Day of Yoga 2016, the Yoga Association of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor organized an event at Dataram Merdeka (Independence Square) – a prominent landmark in the heart of Kuala Lumpur – on June 21. More than 200 school children and members of the public gathered to participate in Asana Yoga, Siddhi Yoga, chanting led by Swamiji, and Raja Yoga Meditation led by BK Sudesh, Director of BK Centres in Germany.

Harmony House, Kuala Lumpur The celebration was organized by the Brahma Kumaris with the cooperation of the Indian High Commission. Special attendees were the High Commissioner of India to Malaysia, H.E. Mr. T.S. Tirumurti; P.K. Moorty, member of the Interfaith Spiritual Fellowship; Mr. Harbinder Singh, of the Sikh Community in Malaysia. To read more details, please click here: https://goo.gl/gGmgwH

Mauritius The Brahma Kumaris organized two national programs and several regional programs and they participated in the special celebration at the State House. For more details, please go here: https://goo.gl/evxthB

Nederland Rotterdam Special Meditation Programme to develop steering power in our thinking which increases the energy of love of the heart was organised. Acceptance of the self and others requires a profound insight in our original values like purity, peace, love, power and happiness! By giving attention to our true identity, we can overcome weaknesses and negativity. Twelve participants enjoyed the programme.

New Zealand Auckland A few hundred attendees filled the hall of the Vodafone Event Centre on June 19, 2016 to honor the Second International Day of Yoga. BK Jim gave a brief and insightful talk followed by a 15 minutes meditation video highlighting the connection with the inner self, the Source, and World Peace. The powerful impact of the meditation, sharing peace to the world, and yog asanas had the audience captivated, and in silence. The whole gathering was quite receptive. Informational material and reflection cards were distributed. There was also the opportunity to network with other organizations. To view pictures, https://youtu.be/UVUoFWeJpXA

Wellington International Yoga Day was celebrated on Tuesday evening at the Lower Hutt Brahma Kumaris Centre with a programme of guided meditation from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Many who meditate regularly and a few who were new to meditation were the attendees.

Phillipines News in photos, please go here: https://goo.gl/YEjNO0

Russia Irkutsk

The Brahma Kumaris Center organized one program at the center and participated in another one organized by the Art of Living on the First Main Square in Irkutsk City.

Singapore Together with commemorating the International Day of Yoga, it was also World Peace Meditation Day as observed monthly by Brahma Kumaris centers worldwide, and Father’s Day, it was a triple celebration at the Raja Yoga Center in Singapore on June 19. To read more, please go here: https://goo.gl/Ta7Tj2 The BKs also attended the event organized by the Indian Government.

Spain Barcelona Ashtanga Yoga Inbound, Brahma Kumaris, Equilibrium, Iskon Barcelona, Soul Yoga, ViraYoga, in collaboration with Casa Asia, India Embassy in Spain and the Catalan Federation of Yoga organized an all day event at the Park of Estación del Norte Barcelona, a public park in the center of the city. About 2000 participants were present. You can view more here: https://barcelonayogaday.org Here is an overview of what took place: • • • • • • •

Yoga lessons: Lessons of yoga of main styles during all day. Silence and Meditation Area: Dynamic and guided meditations during the entire event offered by Brahma Kumaris Association. Conferences: provided by great masters to help solve doubts about various topics, such as ways of living, main paths and approaches. Live music: Bhakti Yoga main bands and singers joined the event to share the yoga of sound and devotion. Vegan food: A correct diet is one of the most important aspects of yoga. During the entire event there were vegan snacks and a big lunch for all, sponsored by Iskon Barcelona. Conscious theater: several artists practicing yoga and meditation performed some pieces with reflection and high philosophical content to help awaken our consciousness. Craft Fair: Hundreds of products related to yoga and to the healthy and organic way of life that yoga fosters.

Madrid The program was organized by the Indian Embassy and 12 yoga schools from the capital. Around 1000 people came to enjoy and follow a yoga master class created by Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, which was projected on a large screen, along with the guidance by yoga teachers. The public was then invited to choose from the 12 different schools and follow their asanas, postures, philosophy and mastery.

An interesting synchronicity was that the Bollywood awards from the International Indian Film Academy were also being celebrated in Madrid, on the same evening! As such, famous Indian actress, Shilpa Shetty, joined the yoga class with the Indian Ambassador in Madrid, Mr Vikram Misri. It was all about appreciating diversity and celebrating unity through yoga!

Valencia The celebration of International Yoga Day took place on two days: Sunday 19th and Tuesday 21st. The event, organized by several yoga groups from Valencia, was held in a quiet place surrounded by beautiful nature and big and original trees and attended by 15 Yoga Schools. * Some of the Schools that participated on the 19th included Dinamic Yoga, Acroyoga, Kriyas and Mudras, Kundalini Yoga, Karma Yoga, Naad Yoga, Shiatsu Workshop, Egipcius Yoga, Brahma Kumaris Meditation, Yoga for Children, Vipassana Meditation, Panel with the introduction of Schools and Swamis: Ramana Maharsi, Babaji, Swami Satyananda, Swami Vishwananda, Parmahansa Yogananda, Yogui Bhajan, Swami Sivananda. * In the program on 21st, there was the chant of OM and kirtan, a master class with several yoga teachers, meditation to receive the solstice, and Bhangra to finish the celebration. Around 200 people attended the event which created an atmosphere of unity, co-operation, harmony, and a link of love among everyone. You can have a look in https://www.facebook.com/DiaYogaValencia/

Sri Lanka Kandy Meditation Experience program was held on June 23 at the Auditorium of the Assistant High Commission of India. Visiting BK teacher, BK Ganesh outlined Raja Yoga life style, specifically touching on the benefits and uniqueness of this meditation. He led the group of 80 into meditation in English and Tamil. A meditation commentary in Hindi was also played for those who knew Hindi. Very pure and positive good wishes and feelings were created and felt. The Assistant High Commissioner, H.E. Ms. Radha Venkataraman shared words of wisdom, and commented on how the Raja Yoga Centre in Kandy has supported her in the activities of her office.

Suriname In Suriname the BK's participated in the national activities initiated by the Indian Embassy and the Indian Culture Centre (ICC). On June 10th, there was the opening with a speech by the acting Ambassador, Mr. Satendar Kumar and a panel with teachers from different yoga organizations. BK Renuska represented the Brahma Kumaris. From June 11th - 17th, different yoga groups visited each other - exchange of knowledge and practices and lectures and workshops were organized. There was a session of Umayoga in the BK Center on 16th by yoga teacher Jane Saman. BK Loes conducted a workshop on June 17th at the ICC venue on "Purity, Health and Wealth: A Spiritual Connection." This was well received by 60 participants. On June 18th the national IDY celebration was marked by Yoga protocol (ICC), dance(ICC) and guided meditation(BK's). At the Brahma Kumaris Center, people participated in a three day creative meditation programme from June 19th - June 21st. These programmes, of which the chosen themes were Peace, Love and Power, were attended by about 40 people each day. There was a good media coverage in the local newspapers and TV.

Trinidad & Tobago San Fernando The Brahma Kumaris Center organized three events to honor the International Day of Yoga and they also participated in the one organized by the Indian Government. About 100 people enjoyed and benefitted from these events.

Turkey Istanbul The Consulate General of India, Istanbul, collaborated with various prominent Yoga centres for the 2016 International Yoga Day celebrations on 21 June in the garden of the prestigious Istanbul Technical University on the European side of the city. Brahma Kumaris were invited to take part and were offered a half hour slot in which Raja Yoga Meditation exercises were demonstrated, and an explanation of the underlying spiritual understanding upon which meditation is based was shared. Approximately 300 people attended this open air event. Yogesh Sharda was the speaker with translation by Canan Savkay.

United Kingdom London Alexander Palace Gardens Co-organized by the Om Yoga Show and the Brahma Kumaris, over 6000 people visited this free event and many were served by the large BK presence and the many activities offered. To read full report, please go here: https://goo.gl/kFCe3r

Clapham, South London Two programs were organized by the local center where 160 people participated.

Global Co-operation House Master Class in the Ancient Art of Raja Yoga by two master yogis, Jayanti Kripalani and Dr. Nirmala. The program began with a videoed message by Dadi Janki. Her vision for International Day of Yoga is for each and every person in this world gets the message of how to connect to the Divine through yoga. To read full report, please go here: https://goo.gl/iBAm3K

Potter’s Field

To read full report, please go here: https://goo.gl/KewNiA

Wembley Inner Space, Wembley organized two events on the theme, Ready for Meditation Challenge on 18th June and 21st June, These were Open Day events held on Wembley High Road. About 350 people (including children) living locally stopped by to get information on Raja Yoga and other free courses or played virtue wheel game. Children mostly, and some adults, even got their face painted with beautiful designs. You can view photos here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B56XaoqE33uGWk5CdEpJWW1kb2M

Watford One event, entitled Raja Yoga Meditation: Afternoon of Experience, was organised in which an introduction to and benefits of Raja Yoga was shared by Meelu Wadhwani to about 20 people who attended.

United States of America Oregon Eugene This year, on Sunday, 19th June, Brahma Kumaris Oregon collaborated with eleven other Indian community organizations to put on a 6.5 hour event designed as a one-stop opportunity where people could learn about different forms of yoga, explore related disciplines, or refine their current yoga practice under the guidance of experts. To read full report, please go here: https://goo.gl/photos/d6rpAAN9rV5NrJTi6

California Los Angeles The Hollywood Meditation Groups of the Brahma Kumaris celebrated INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA at the Hollywood Library with 5 local yogis giving short demonstrations of various types of yoga to the 43 in attendance. The morning began with a brilliant explanation by Yogi Kevin Love on awareness and attention and its importance in Raja Yoga for living in the now. This was followed by Halima Gibson's (Halima's Healing Haven: Sufi Master Teacher/Healer Medical QiGong Practitioner) sharing the importance of breathing consciously for balancing the body as she conducted her Qi Gong session. Lisa Rodriguez (yogi) and Loni Duek (Soulistics Studio Owner--Reiki Master and Yogi) then shared the importance of Hatha Yoga in their lives and led the group in some postures. The morning concluded with Goddess (Hollywood Laughter Yoga Circles, TY Park & South Ocean Drive) leading all in rounds of Laughter Yoga and a beautiful unifying meditation.....

Multicultural Laboratory of the World - 10 countries represented as we sang, "We are the World"

It was a very memorable morning--each of the facilitators could have demonstrated for a full hour, but it was just a "taste" from each and it seemed that no one wanted to leave the "yummy" energy in the room after the closing song. Etta Stevens, the class instructor, and Roz Reich, the organizer, were so moved by the expertise and collaboration of the local spiritual masters helping to turn Hollywood into 'Holywood!'

Florida Miami The International Day of Yoga was celebrated at the Miami BK Center with a special bilingual meditation program featuring live guided meditations in Spanish and English with simultaneous translation. A short talk on the "Connecting Discernment to Decision-Making" encouraged participants to replace the external influences on our decision-making with a discerning eye that looks at situations from our internal, original qualities. In that way, decisions made today will stand the test of time. A special sweet and reflection card for each person followed a meditation designed to give participants the actual experience of making a decision using the power of discernment. The program concluded with a meditation remembering those affected by the mass shooting in Orlando, FL.

Peace Village

Texas Houston Consulate General of India, Houston, Brahma Kumaris Texas (USA), and several yoga disciplines collaborated to celebrate the 2nd International Day of Yoga at NASA Space Center Houston. Brahma Kumaris led Raja Yoga Meditation to start the event. Yogis from several groups were seated in front of the United States space shuttle. With the rocket of mind, the group had the experience of going beyond the influential energies of the material world to the influential energies of the inner world (peace, care, love, joy). The power of this silence charged the atmosphere with deep peace.

Uruguay Montevideo International Yoga Day June 21 was organized by the National Institute of Youth (Ministry of Social Development) and the Indian Embassy. All schools of yoga were invited which included Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga. The practices and benefits of Raja Yoga Meditation were shared, for example: it is a method that helps one to reconnect with their true identity. It brings stability to the mind and controls emotions, restores the spiritual consciousness, power and strength in the human soul. Special guests included Head of Chancery, Second Secretary of the Indian Embassy, Harvinder Singh; Intendencia Intendente Montevideo, Ing. Daniel Martinez; Honorary Consulate in Uruguay, Leticia Ramos. 2nd International Day of Yoga, 2016 celebrations, “The "Yogatón," took place in some of the most symbolic sites of the City of Montevideo, Plaza Independencia, Rambla. The aim of this was to create a bridge between the two cultures by bringing the Yogaton to patriotic places, where every Uruguayan feels deeply connected. You are welcome to watch more here: https://youtu.be/E5pzjK8uhjk You are welcome to watch more here: https://www.facebook.com/IndiaInArgentina/videos/1076543139099320/

Zambia Lusaka There was a combined program of World Peace Meditation and International Day of Yoga held at the local Brahma Kumaris Centre. A few people benefited.