February 14, 2018
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, USA successfully concluded Health for Humanity Yogathon!
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA, Inc. (HSS) concluded its Eleventh Annual Health for Humanity Yogathon on February 3rd, 2018. During the two-week Yogathon, over 11,254 participants from over 350 locations from 27 states across the US, participated in the yoga routine known as the Sun Salutation, or Surya Namaskara.
HSS launched the Health for Humanity Yogathon as an annual event in 2007 to create awareness about yoga and its advantages in achieving a healthy body, mind, and spirit. The Surya Namaskar yoga routine integrates simple postures of well-balanced movements in ten steps with an easy breathing technique to provide immense health benefits for everyone, from beginners to yoga enthusiasts. HSS conducts the Yogathon, or Surya Namaskara Yajna, at this time of year to coincide with the traditional Makar Sankranti festival, which falls on January 14.
Since its inception, Yoga Centers, community organizations, schools, and colleges regardless of individual faiths and beliefs, have participated and collectively performed close to 5 million Surya Namaskars. Community leaders and many elected officials across the nation have appreciated this initiative and encouraged their residents to participate and gain the benefits of an overall healthy lifestyle.
This year 58 elected officials including Mayors, Congressmen, Senators and State Governors acknowledged Health for Humanity Yogathon by proclaiming within their jurisdiction and by encouraging their constituents to participate in yogathon. Active support of elected officials and community leaders helped to spread knowledge about the unique impact of Surya Namaskar to maintain a healthy lifestyle across the US.
As a result, a lot of energy from community members and active participation from all age groups was observed. Several HSS centers across the nation conducted special yogathon event from six hours to 24 hours. Following are some highlights:
- 900 students from two elementary schools in San Antonio and 714 students from South Carolina elementary school actively participated in this year's SNY program.
- During this 14 days event, 828,586 Surya Namaskars were performed by 11,254 participants across the US.
- HSS volunteers also conducted a Surya Namaskars workshop at 156 locations.
Several other public events took place nationwide involving universities, businesses, yoga studios, temples, and cultural and community organizations.
National coordinator for Yogathon coordinators, Mr. Manoj Rathi, expressed satisfaction of this community outreach activity that helped to bring all-round fitness of body, mind, and spirit and health awareness and he further hoped that the participants will continue practicing daily.
For More information visit: www.hssus.org or www.facebook.com/hssus
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Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh is a non-profit cultural organization with over 150 chapters throughout the U.S.A. For more information about HSS, contact by email at sampark@hssus.org or by phone at 973-500-8HSS (8477).