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More than 200 people participated in a devotional International Day of Yoga celebration on June 14 organized by A Lotus in the Mud, an online wellness and spirituality magazine.
Held at the Vedic Heritage Hanuman Temple in Hempstead, New York, the program combined meditation, movement, music, dance, dialogue, and community engagement in what organizers described as a “modern satsang,” according to a statement.
Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. Dattatreyudu Nori served as the chief guest, while the Consulate General of India in New York was represented by Consul Mahesh Yadav.
A panel discussion titled “Devotion as a Superhighway to Spiritual Evolution” was the centerpiece of the event. The discussion was curated and moderated by Lotus Founder and Editor Parveen Chopra.
Introducing the theme, Chopra noted that Indian philosophy identifies four paths to self-realization: “Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Gyan Yoga and Raja Yoga.” He described Bhakti Yoga, or the path of devotion, as the “sweetest and accessible” route for spiritual seekers.
The panel featured ordained Buddhist nun Lama Aria Drolma, author and banker Yakub Mathew, finance executive and artist Nayan Kisnadwala, and yoga teacher Sharon Epstein.
According to the statement, the panelists agreed that devotion is both a gift and a discipline, requiring personal effort while remaining open to divine grace.
Dr. Nori, a Padma Bhushan 2026 awardee, internationally renowned oncologist, and founder of three Shirdi Sai Baba temples in the New York-New Jersey region, reflected on the deeper dimensions of yoga and meditation during his keynote remarks.
“Being the witness keeps you away from all the problems,” he said, emphasizing the yogic practice of observing thoughts and emotions without becoming attached to them. He also encouraged the cultivation of equanimity, noting that “dualities of life are apparently contradictory, but inherently complementary.”
Consul Yadav described yoga as “one of India’s most profound gifts to humanity” and said devotion strengthens the yogic journey by fostering “humility, compassion, surrender and a deep connection with the divine.” He also commended A Lotus in the Mud for sharing spiritual teachings with a growing global audience.
Addressing a question about Gautam Buddha’s silence on the existence of God, Lama Aria said, “The Buddha’s focus was not on proving or disproving God, but on awakening to the nature of reality and ending suffering through direct realization.”
Yakub Mathew said, “Our mind is divisive. When we remove God from our mind and put it into our heart, then you will discover the God in you. The God you want to know who made man, then you’ve got to remove the man-made God.”
Discussing Hindu traditions, Nayan Kisnadwala said, “In Hinduism we can worship God in any form. In fact, we say that God is within us.” He also elaborated on the nine forms of devotion, or Navadha Bhakti, described in the Ramayana and Bhagavatam.
Drawing from Jewish teachings, Sharon Epstein said, “Love for God becomes tangible through our actions and choices each day.”
The event also featured a Loving-Kindness Meditation for world peace led by Lama Aria. Cultural performances included devotional singing by Budh Prakash Jasuja and his daughter Nanki, along with Radha-Krishna-themed dance presentations by Preya Patel and students of Vivarta Arts.
Anne Moffatt, also known as Aanya Prarthana, engaged participants through Chair Yoga and a Ribbon Dance session.
In keeping with Indian tradition, the evening began with a ceremonial lamp-lighting attended by panelists, presenters, and community leaders, including Ravi Bhooplapur, Anil and Renu Jain, Kamlesh Mehta, Prof. Indrajit Singh Saluja, and Abhishek Mishra. Ashok Vyas recited Vedic mantras during the ceremony.
The program concluded with a charity auction of artwork by Nayan Kisnadwala, conducted by Renu Jain. Proceeds were shared between Lotus magazine and Vedic Heritage Inc. Piya Jyoti Kachroo served as master of ceremonies, while Kripa Ranjan Prasad was the media coordinator.
Participants also enjoyed a healthy vegetarian meal outdoors following the event, the statement added.
