New York:
One of the lesser known facts about yoga and United States of America is that almost one out of every ten adults practice it, making it a $37 billion (almost Rs 240 crores) industry. In a country where yoga studios are said to be nearly as popular as Starbucks food chain; NDTV knocked on some doors to find out how India is trying to reclaim its spiritual legacy on June 21.
Dnyaneshwar M. Mulay, Consul General of India, New York said, "while yoga in America has evolved over the years, the message we want to send out is one of peace and harmony; and for India's tradition and past to be commemorated and recognized"
International Yoga Day will being at the UN headquarters, moving on the yogathon at Times Square, where 40,000 people are expected to attend. This will be followed with an address by spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at the Lincoln Center, the cultural hub of New York City.
Controversy in yoga is nothing new here, in 2013, some Californian parents objected to their children being taught yoga in school; but the judge ruled in favour of yoga, saying there is no religious connection with the asanas (postures).
Jenna, a yoga enthusiast at Bryant Park told NDTV, "Love the spiritual message of peace and oneness that yoga brings... I grew up in a very conservative catholic family but yoga has really fed my soul, and given me that peace"
Some organisations are pushing hard for more participation in the mega event on June 21. Anil Sharma, Spokesperson, OVBI (Overseas Volunteers for Better India) said "lots of corporates like TCS are organizing in their offices here, there is a social media push as well. Barack Obama could also participate."
The United Nations had declared June 21 as International Yoga Day last December following support from 177 countries.