In a world often fraught with chaos and discord, the Gandhi International Institute For Peace is set to host its 6th annual International Yoga Day event on June 21st, inviting the public to cultivate inner peace and foster world harmony through the ancient practice of yoga. The free event, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the MOA Wellness Center in Honolulu, promises to be a transformative experience for all who attend.
Dr. Raj Kumar, the visionary founder of GIIP, certified yoga teacher, wellness counselor, and author, recently joined HNN's Sunrise alongside Michele Santos of Sun Yoga to discuss the myriad health benefits of practicing yoga. Kumar, a staunch advocate for peace and nonviolence, established GIIP in Hawaii to promote these values through education, training, and conflict resolution, as well as to nurture harmony in various spheres of life, from families and schools to workplaces and society at large.
The theme for this year's International Yoga Day, "Yoga for Inner Peace & World Peace," encapsulates the event's core mission. Participants can expect to engage in rejuvenating yoga sessions, thought-provoking wellness discussions, and meaningful connections with fellow practitioners throughout the day. Kumar, drawing from his expertise as a practitioner of Hinduism, believes that yoga serves as a potent tool for cultivating peace within individuals and communities, gently guiding practitioners to release the suffering that stems from dwelling on the past or anxieties about the future.
Under Kumar's leadership, GIIP has made significant strides in promoting the importance of yoga and its recognition in Hawaii. The institute successfully initiated House Bill 349, which was signed into Act 102 by then-Governor David Ige in 2019, officially recognizing June 21st as International Yoga Day in the state. This milestone underscores GIIP's commitment to fostering a culture of peace and well-being through the practice of yoga.
In addition to his work with GIIP, Kumar is a prolific author, having penned "The Secrets of Health and Healing" in 2005, a book that seamlessly blends Eastern practices and Western research to address various aspects of wellness, from stress management and disease detection to healthy living and healing techniques. Kumar is currently working on his forthcoming book, "Anger and Nonviolence," which delves into the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and is slated for release in October 2024.
Joining Kumar in the discussion was Michele Santos, a yoga instructor originally from Brazil who discovered her passion for yoga while attending Hawaii Pacific University. Santos, who founded Sun Yoga in 2012, demonstrated several poses that help center one's mind, emphasizing the transformative power of yoga in promoting mental and emotional well-being.
As the 6th annual International Yoga Day approaches, GIIP extends an open invitation to the public to join in this celebration of inner peace and world harmony. The event, which is free to attend, offers a unique opportunity to experience the benefits of yoga firsthand and connect with like-minded individuals in a supportive and inclusive environment. However, due to limited seating, interested participants are encouraged to email gandhianpeace@gmail.com to confirm availability and reserve their spots in advance.
For those seeking to deepen their understanding of GIIP's mission and the transformative potential of yoga, the institute's website, gandhianpeace.org, serves as a valuable resource. Visitors can also stay connected with the latest updates by following GIIP's Facebook page, Gandhi International Institute for Peace.
As the world continues to navigate the challenges of modern life, the 6th annual International Yoga Day event stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the power we hold within ourselves to cultivate inner peace and contribute to a more harmonious world. Through the practice of yoga and the tireless efforts of organizations like GIIP, we can all play a part in fostering a more peaceful, compassionate, and united global community.
