Monroe Township, NJ – June 20, 2025 — The India-US Forum of Monroe Township (IFM), a local nonprofit dedicated to civic and cultural engagement, held its annual International Yoga Day celebration on June 19 as part of its broader Health and Wellness Initiatives. Despite overcast skies, community spirit shone brightly as residents of all ages gathered at the Monroe Township Senior Center for an evening dedicated to mindfulness, movement, and shared well-being.
The event opened with a brief overview of yoga’s historical and cultural roots, highlighting its evolution into a global practice that transcends borders and promotes mental and physical health. Attendees were reminded of yoga’s relevance in today’s high-stress world — a practice that not only centers the body but calms the mind.
A two-hour yoga session, led by a certified instructor trained in meditative and restorative techniques, guided participants through a series of gentle yet powerful movements. From seniors and working professionals to students, attendees of all backgrounds took part at their own pace. Many described the experience as both grounding and rejuvenating.
At the close of the session, Hemant Patel, President of IFM, delivered remarks alongside the IFM Executive Team, thanking attendees, volunteers, and community partners for their support. Patel emphasized the importance of initiatives like these in fostering not just physical health but also a deeper sense of community connection and collective wellness.
“This event was a testament to what happens when community members come together with open hearts and shared purpose,” said Patel. “Yoga offers us not just flexibility and strength — it gives us stillness, gratitude, and unity.”
The celebration was supported by student volunteers and collaborators from across New Jersey, further reflecting IFM’s commitment to inclusive, community-driven programming.
Robbinsville, NJ – June 24, 2025 — The Shree Siddhivinayak Temple commemorated its 9th anniversary with a weekend of deeply spiritual ceremonies and vibrant cultural festivities on June 21 and 22. The two-day celebration drew devotees from across New Jersey and neighboring states, all united in seeking the darshan and blessings of Lord Siddhivinayak.
The anniversary was marked by a series of meticulously performed Vedic rituals, led by esteemed temple priests Dr. Ganesh Prasad Ojha and Vashist Kumar Ojha. The religious ceremonies included Swasti Vachanam, Atharvashirsha Paath, Ganesh Pujan, Shivabhishek, Punyahavachanam, Kalash Sthapana and Kalash Yatra, Vaastu Homam, Main Murti Abhishek, and the recitation of Shree Ganesh Sahasranamavali with traditional Ladoo offerings. The proceedings culminated in a Maha Aarti followed by Maha Prasad, reinforcing the temple’s role as a spiritual and cultural anchor for the community.
Established in 2016 with a grand inauguration that followed the highest Vedic protocols, the temple has since become a central hub for spiritual devotion and community engagement. Over the years, it has hosted a wide range of programs, including health fairs, religious discourses, and music events, solidifying its presence as both a sacred and social institution.
As part of the anniversary celebration, the temple hosted a Sangeet Sandhya—an evening of devotional and cultural music—accompanied by dinner. The event featured performances by local community singers and was attended by special guests Dr. Tushar Patel, Dr. Jignesh Vakil, and Mr. Anant Haidale, who participated in the musical offerings.
The weekend celebration not only honored the temple’s foundation and sustained growth, but also highlighted the unity and devotion of its ever-expanding community of worshippers.
BAPS Charities hosted its first-ever Healthcare Professionals Conference (HPC25), drawing more than 1,150 delegates from over 30 medical and allied disciplines to Houston, TX. The theme of the conference was “Enrich, Explore, Empower,” a press release from the organization said.
With nine focused breakout tracks, more than 60 speakers and facilitators, and up to 14 CE/CME-accredited sessions, HPC25 organizers claimed the conference “set a new standard for inclusive, interdisciplinary healthcare education—while also inspiring reflection on the deeper meaning of care.”
“This wasn’t just a conference,” attendee Mahima Dave, PharmD, of Chicago, is quoted saying in the press release. “It was a reawakening of what it means to heal with compassion, purpose, and humility.”
“Most other conferences focus on what to do technically,” said Dr. Yagnesh Dave, an internist from Atlanta. “This one helped me reflect on how to become a better physician to treat my patients.”
“This experience was more than just another conference,” said Niki Patel, PharmD, MBA, CDCES, from Robbinsville, NJ. “It was about finding your heartbeat and empowering your life with the skills to serve society.”
Accredited sessions explored cutting-edge topics such as artificial intelligence in medicine, clinical burnout, health equity, and the future of patient-centered care.
“A truly inspiring gathering where clinical excellence met spiritual depth,” said Sara Rogers, a pharmacist and researcher from Houston. “The reminder that healing is both a science and a service, was powerful.”
“This conference gave me science—and also how to use it,” added Dr. Sachin Shah, PharmD, FACC, FAHA, of San Jose. “It reignited the spirit of service in every attendee I spoke with.”
The keynote address by Jason Glover, CEO of Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center, emphasized the human element of care through his “Four L’s” philosophy: Love, Learn, Little Things Matter, and Larger Than Each of Us.
“How to actually maintain spirituality, even in the rough experiences—I really thought that was excellent,” said Larry Wedekind, CEO of IntegraNet Health, Houston.
“What I appreciate about Indian culture,” noted Prof. Juergen Scheele, CMO of Innoplexus from Germany, “is how intelligently they combine spirituality with the sciences.”
Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges
From practicing clinicians to aspiring healthcare professionals, the conference created space for collaboration, mentorship, and introspection, organizers said in the press release. Specialized tracks catered to physicians, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, public health experts, and students.
“True networking in healthcare means collaboration without boundaries,” said Mayank Amin, PharmD, RPh, MBA, from Philadelphia, PA. “This conference helped break down invisible walls between professions.”
“The experience expanded my understanding of patient-centered care and reminded me of the humanity behind healthcare,” said Sneh Patel, a pre-med student.
“Surrounded by passionate professionals, we left feeling empowered, enriched, and deeply connected to a shared purpose of selfless service,” said Dr. Monica Patel, a dentist from Robbinsville, NJ.
Global Service, Local Impact
BAPS Charities also spotlighted international outreach initiatives in India and encouraged delegates to apply their skills in rural and underserved settings.
“In a profession where burnout and detachment are common,” said Rasesh Patel, a pharmacy consultant from Tampa, “this event offered something rare: healing, purpose, and reconnection.”
“Every moment was meaningful,” reflected Ami Patel, PharmD. “And ending with darshan made it unforgettable.”
On June 21, 2025, the 11th International Day of Yoga was celebrated on the banks of the Ganga at the Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh, where ambassadors and high commissioners from more than 25 nations gathered, according to a press release from Parmarth Niketan. The Common Yoga Protocol session was led Swami Chidanand Saraswati, President of Parmarth Niketan, and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati.
Held under the global theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” the event sought to connect individual well-being and the health of the planet.
Scenes from the June 21, 2025 IDY at Parmarth Niketan:
“When we take care of ourselves, we begin to care for the Earth. This is the divine message of Indian culture — Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the whole world is one family,” Swami Chidanand Saraswati is quoted saying, calling the Indian practice, “a priceless gift” to the world.
Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati said yoga is a divine practice to bring balance to daily lives and enhance an individual’s efficiency in action. “Yoga is not just an exercise to make the body flexible — it is a lifestyle, a way of being. It harmonizes body, mind, and soul, allowing one to remain balanced in all circumstances. Yoga improves focus, patience, and decision-making, enabling success in action. This is the true power of yoga — inner peace amidst outer chaos,” she said.
The celebration on the Ganga Ghat at Parmarth Niketan began with the soothing sounds of the bansuri (flute), recitation of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, and the screening of a special video message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The event included reflections on past years, wisdom from yoga masters, glimpses of various yoga forms, yoga demonstrations, and spiritual discourses.
Distinguished guests in attendance included:
Monica Campos (Peru), Bharat Morje (Lesotho), Thabang Linus Kholumo (Lesotho), Naleli Patricia Kholumo (Lesotho), Vanessa Adrien Espinosa Aguirre (Mexico), Abe Noriaki (Japan), Fernando Buchelli Vargas (Ecuador), Engeldrod Musinga (Namibia), Lalatiana Akosh (Seychelles), Fanchette Farasoav Vohanginirina (Seychelles), Rakotoson EP Morin (Seychelles), H.E. Juan Carlos Rojas (Colombia), Cyriac Ganwala (Congo-Brazzaville), Dr. Surinder Thapa (Nepal), Taranath Adhikari (Nepal), Ravindra Jung Thapa (Nepal), Saitenov (Kazakhstan), Khursidbek Samiev (Uzbekistan), Jesiata Enchama Ebeso Oyana (Equatorial Guinea), Leonardo Mola Labalata (Equatorial Guinea), H.E. Stella Nkomo (Zimbabwe), Peter Hobwani (Zimbabwe), Gilbert Shimane Mangoli (Botswana), Lubna Asif (Botswana), Dr. Robert (Taiwan), Patrick (Taiwan), Kristina Brazevic (Lithuania), Mikhail Kasko (Belarus), Gabru Tekle (Ethiopia), Jojo Binti (D.R. Congo), Mwimbu Kimuwayla Julie (D.R. Congo), Alamajani Batubonduo Jerome (D.R. Congo), Manuel Alejandro Avantes Rosas (Mexico), Luz Maria Contreras Hernandez (Mexico), German Jimenez Morales (Mexico), Ajay Singh (India), and many more.
Students and teachers from various schools, institutions, colleges, and universities participated in the Common Yoga Protocol taught by Parmarth’s Yogacharya Ganga Nandini.
This year’s celebration also saw participation from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Komaleshwar Yoga School, Rishikesh, Yoga Association, numerous yoga schools and centers of Uttarakhand.