Organized by A Lotus In The Mud, the multi-faceted celebration highlighted devotion as a pathway to inner transformation and spiritual evolution.
By SATimes Team
Hempstead, NY: Over 200 people gathered at the Vedic Heritage Hanuman Temple here on June 14 for ‘The Heart of Yoga’, a devotional celebration marking the International Day of Yoga 2026. Organized by A Lotus In The Mud, an online magazine specializing in wellness and spirituality, in association with the Consulate General of India, New York, the evening program was edifying and enlightening, like modern satsang. Through meditation, music, dance, dialogue, and community engagement, presenters explored Bhakti Yoga as a pathway to inner transformation and spiritual evolution.
Esteemed panel discusses the path of devotion
The centerpiece of the program curated by Lotus Founder and Editor Parveen Chopra was a panel discussion with the theme, ‘Devotion as a Superhighway to Spiritual Evolution.’ As moderator, he said that according to Indian philosophy, there are four paths to self-realization: Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Gyan Yoga and Raja Yoga. The path of bhakti is the sweetest and accessible to all.
The four esteemed panelists were: Buddhist nun Lama Aria Drolma, author and banker Yakub Mathew, finance executive and artist Nayan Kisnadwala, and yoga teacher Sharon Epstein. They agreed that devotion is both a gift that is received and a discipline that must be cultivated. And that personal effort walks hand in hand with divine grace.
Padma Bhushan Dr Nori’s advice for equanimity
Padma Bhushan 2026 awardee and internationally renowned oncologist Dr Dattatreyudu Nori, who has founded three Shirdi Sai Baba temples in NY-NJ area, reflected on the deeper dimensions of yoga and meditation in his address as chief guest.
“Being the witness keeps you away from all the problems,” he said, emphasizing the yogic practice of observing thoughts and emotions without identifying with them.
He also recommended cultivating equanimity, noting that “dualities of life are apparently contradictory, but inherently complementary.”
Shri Mahesh Yadav, Consul at the Indian Consulate, described yoga as “one of India’s most profound gifts to humanity” and said devotion strengthens the yogic journey by nurturing “humility, compassion, surrender and a deep connection with the divine.” He commended A Lotus in the Mud for sharing such spiritual messages with a growing global readership.
Continuing the Indian tradition, the evening began with a ceremonial lamp-lighting attended by panelists and presenters as well as community leaders including Ravi Bhooplapur, Anil and Renu Jain, Kamlesh Mehta, Prof. Indrajit Singh Saluja and Abhishek Mishra. Ashok Vyas recited Vedic accompanying Vedic mantras.
A treat for the eyes, ears and the mind
Lama Aria led a Loving-Kindness Meditation for world peace while cultural performances included devotional singing by Budh Prakash Jasuja and his daughter Nanki, and Radha-Krishna themed dance items by Preya Patel and students of her Vivarta Arts. Anne Moffatt (Aanya Prarthana) engaged participants with Chair Yoga and a Ribbon Dance session.
Prominent people in the audience included Dr Unni Mooppan, Animesh Goenka, Jasbir Jai Singh, Gobind Munjal, Nilima Madan, Rashmin Master, Sharanjit Singh Thind, Varinder Bhalla, Jyoti Gupta, Bina Sabapathy, Sushma Kotahwala, Paresh Raval.
Parveen acknowledged monetary contributions by Mukund Padmanabhan, Abhishek Mishra, and India Association of Long Island. He thanked Vedic Heritage Inc for letting him host the event in their temple, and media support by The South Asian Times, The Indian Panorama, South Asian Insider, The Indian Eye, Bollywood Insider and Preetnama.
The event concluded with a charity auction of artworks by Nayan Kisnadwala conducted by Renu Jain, with the proceeds shared by Lotus magazine and Vedic Heritage Inc. Piya Jyoti Kachroo served as master of ceremonies. All enjoyed a healthy, vegetarian meal outdoors.
About A Lotus In The Mud
A Lotus In The Mud is a non-profit online magazine dedicated to sharing wisdom and practices from multiple traditions as well as cutting-edge science to promote health, happiness, and inner peace.
Consul Mahesh Yadav and Parveen Chopra honor Dr Dattatreyudu Nori, the Chief Guest of the program.
Dr Dattatreyudu Nori honored Yakub Mathew as well as the other 3 panelists.
Renu Chopra and Parveen Chopra greeted Lama Aria inviting her to conduct a meditation session.
Anne Moffatt led a chair yoga session.
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Many among the 200-strong audience described the program as edifying, and entertaining -- and different from the regular fare.
Preya Patel enchanted with her solo dance performance.
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Budh Prakash Jasuja and daughter Nanki rendered bhajans.
Those joining the lamp-lighting ceremony included Renu Jain, Kamlesh Mehta, Ravi Bhooplapur, Prof. Indrajit Singh Saluja, Anil Jain, and Abhishek Mishra.
(All Photos courtesy: Kripa Ranjan Prasad and Pritpal Kaur)
