New York, April 8 — The skyline of Manhattan served as a stunning backdrop as yoga mats were unrolled on the 102nd floor of the One World Trade Center on Monday, launching the 75-day countdown to the 11th International Day of Yoga, set to be celebrated globally on June 21.
Organized by the Consulate General of India in New York, the special event brought together a diverse group of yoga enthusiasts, students, and members of the Indian diaspora for a serene session of meditation, breathwork, and asanas — all while overlooking the sweeping views of New York and New Jersey from the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
Yoga at a Symbol of Resilience
The One World Trade Center, built on the grounds of the former Twin Towers destroyed during the 9/11 attacks, provided a symbolic and poignant location for the event. Describing the venue as a “symbol of resilience and hope,” Consul General Binaya Pradhan led the opening, highlighting the deeper meaning behind the session.“Today’s session marks the beginning of our 75-day journey to International Day of Yoga,” said Pradhan, calling the event a soulful way to promote peace, harmony, and holistic well-being.
Led by the Art of Living Foundation
The session was guided by Ruchika Lal, a renowned yoga and meditation instructor from the Art of Living Foundation. Addressing the participants, Lal noted the emotional weight of the location: “A venue that had the most gruesome act of terrorism is now bringing people together in yoga.” She described the experience as “amazing” and emphasized how a session “from the top of the world” was the perfect start to the global countdown.Lal opened the event by reminding attendees that yoga is about unity and peace. “That we are all coming here together in peace is quite incredible,” she said.
A Series of Celebrations Across the U.S.
Also in attendance were Deputy Consul General Vishal Harsh and prominent community members. The Consulate shared on social media that the session “brought together members of the Indian Diaspora and friends of India in a shared celebration of health, harmony & holistic living.”As part of the lead-up to International Day of Yoga 2025, several more events are planned across the United States — including at Times Square, the UN headquarters, and other iconic destinations.
The movement to mark June 21 as International Day of Yoga began when Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the idea during his address to the UN General Assembly in 2014. In 2023, he led a historic session at the North Lawn of the UN headquarters, bringing global attention to the power of yoga.
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