NEW YORK — On June 21, as the summer solstice casts long shadows across Central Park, more than 5,000 New Yorkers are expected to gather at Rumsey Playfield—not for a concert or protest, but for a collective breath.
UPLIFTNY25, a free, public celebration of International Yoga Day, is returning to New York City as a full-day immersion in yoga, music, healing practices, and spiritual conversation. Organized by The Giving Back Foundation, led by philanthropist Meera Gandhi, the event is co-presented by the Mayor’s Office of Sports, Wellness and Recreation and the Consulate General of India in New York.
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Framed around the question, “How do we uplift ourselves in a challenging world?”, the program encourages participants to explore inner resilience through shared movement, reflection, and joy.
“This isn’t just about yoga poses or meditation,” said Meera Gandhi, “This is about transforming the collective mood of our city through intentional presence, music, and community. UPLIFTNY25 is a movement for mental wellness and connection.”
From Solstice to Stillness: A Day in Detail
Rumsey Playfield will open at 9:30 a.m. with yoga mat check-in and morning tea. What follows is a curated journey through movement, sound, and stillness—featuring voices from the worlds of music, spirituality, and wellness:
A morning DJ set by DJ Rekha
Light yoga led by Inga Benson
Group meditation and later a headline performance by Madame Gandhi
Chakra healing by Miriam Belov
Astrology session with Darryl Gaines
A guided discussion on anxiety by Bhushan Deodhar of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s Art of Living Foundation
A wellness talk by Tirlok Malik on “Happy Life Yoga”
A dance finale powered by Daybreaker
Admission is free, and participants receive complimentary yoga mats and a vegetarian lunch. Space is limited; registration is available at www.upliftny25.info.
Voices of Support
Highlighting the cultural and diplomatic importance of the day, Ambassador Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York, stated:
“Yoga is India’s gift to the world. UPLIFTNY25 reflects our commitment to global peace and inner balance. Bringing people together through yoga is a celebration of harmony and shared humanity.”
The collaboration with the Indian Consulate underscores yoga’s spiritual origins and its modern relevance as a cross-cultural tool for well-being.
Madame Gandhi — Artist and TED Fellow known for activism through percussion.
DJ Rekha — Pioneer of Basement Bhangra and cultural DJ icon.
Inga Benson — Movement therapist and yoga educator.
Miriam Belov — Chakra healing specialist and intuitive guide.
Darryl Gaines — Astrologer to artists and spiritual seekers.
Bhushan Deodhar — Art of Living leader and stress relief expert.
Tirlok Malik — Filmmaker and Ayurveda advocate behind “Happy Life Yoga.”
Daybreaker — International dance movement for joy and connection.
UPLIFTNY25 isn’t just a feel-good gathering—it’s a message. In a world battling burnout, anxiety, and disconnection, the event reminds us that healing doesn’t always begin in solitude. Sometimes, it begins in a park—together.