Over 800 people from throughout New England enjoyed a relaxing and rejuvenating day of yoga at the 6th NH Yoga for Peace on Saturday, May 10, 2014.  The day opened with Arun Chaudhari of JagoWorld lighting a lamp to Lord Ganesh, a welcome by Jay Gupta of YogaCaps who introduced the captivating keynote speeches by Dr. Amita Chopra and Ms. Nancy Mellor, and a scintillating sound immersion by gong masters.

Dr. Amita Chopra, the presiding yogi, shared a special session focusing upon the neuroplastic effects of yoga and that the true wisdom of these ancient practices are now being validated scientifically for their power and merit.  Mellor shared her most compelling journey, suffering with Lyme disease for the past 25 years. She stated that yoga has been the key to eliminating anxiety attacks and helping her regain a regular sleep again. The whole room was inspired.

There were 65 sessions offered by yoga leaders from throughout New England.  In addition to Dr. Amita Chopra, teachers included Sadhu Maharaj, Ranjani Saigal, Jay Gupta, Jay Pandit, Pratibha Shah, Karthi Chandra, Aruna Purohit, Shanthi Yogini, Robert Moses of the Sivananda tradition and John Featherstone of Dr. Rao’s Hi-Tech yoga.  Bhakti yogis offering kirtan included Jagoworld, Chinmaya Swaranjali Boston, NESSP Sai Parivaar, Suvosree and Sharanya Chatterjee, Koyel Ghosal, Manasaa and Swan Kirtan.

As emcee, Swati Gupta expertly guided the spectacular performances by many of the area’s finest cultural artists and their students.  These included Ranjani Saigal, Mouli Pal, Mona Mitra, Shikha Bajpai, Nikita Rao, Shanthi, Rajesh Pai and Jyoti Sharma. To evidence the spread of classical form of yoga, Kurt “Kaarta” Shoemaker, also offered a Carnatic rendition.

Deborah Heller was enthralled by the experience. She said “it was a special treat to be situated near the stage, where she could see the dance performances and witness up close the smiling faces of all the dancers, from the littlest on up.”

Bollywood Dance Academy shared rousing renditions to start the performances and they also closed the day with lively Bhangra. Members of the group led by Nikita Rao, were flash mobbed with many in the audience joining them up on the stage to joyfully reap the harvest of peace and get ready to take it off the yoga mat / stage into the world.

Dani-Jean Stuart who shared Masala Bhangra workout at the event expressed “the highlights of my day included the happy faces of those in my class and getting to dance on stage with an authentic dance group!! Balle!! Balle!!”

The day was coordinated by so many of the YogaCaps, Inc. dedicated volunteers and participating yoga studios like Banyan Tree Yoga, Jeca Yoga, Open Space Yoga, Sadhana Yoga School, Riverflow Yoga, SATYA, Self-Awakening Yoga and While Swan Yoga. Sister events were masterfully organized by Elizabeth Vlangas of Riverflow Yoga and Barbara Sterling of Self-Awaking Yoga, as they have also done in the past. Josephine Russell expressed that the volunteers did “a stellar job of organizing yoga for peace. I thoroughly enjoyed the day”.

Jay Gupta noted “Yoga has been instrumental in bringing peace, health and happiness to the world for thousands of years and now it’s becoming mainstream. It is so gratifying to see people of all cultures honoring and practicing yoga, and equally amazing to see many generations volunteering together!”  Pravinchandra Pandit was joined in seva by his son Jay, and his grandson Sujal.  Sukayana Tadepalli and her both her daughters, Sadhana and Meghana celebrated Mother’s Day in service to others. In addition, many other young people, including Tanuj and Manav Gupta, the youngest of the Gopal Gupta family, inspired with their service.  In fact, Sampath and his son Goutham Deva have supported the event in various ways for the past four years.  The day would not have been possible without volunteers like Raj Jain, Chitra Krishnaswami, Komala Narayana, Sharda and Renu Gupta. Ganesh Davuluri, Joanne Goretski, Jessica Labbe, Gauri Chandna, Jharna Madan and a Merrimack High School student added their expert eyes and digital arts talents so everyone will be able to retain the high energy vibrations from Yoga for Peace for a long time.

The day was supported by almost 50 exhibitors and sponsors. Among these sponsors were Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, India New England, Relucir, DCU, Organic India, TV Asia and The Foundations TV.  Exhibitors included Nataraja Yoga Center, Food and Fashion of India, Tibet Arts, Sahaj Marg, Sunitha’s Beauty Services and Isha Foundation.

Jay Gupta, co-Founder of YogaCaps, said that the money raised will be gratefully paid forward and magnified by the services that will be provided by all three organizations.  He thanked all the volunteers and said “we can celebrate a successful day but cannot stop yet, as we need to get yoga out to more people”. Nataraja Yoga Center and YogaCaps are co-hosting Dr. H.R. Nagendra, Chancellor of S-Vyasa, for two 6-hour certifications on May 21-22.  A very special Yoga Training is also being offered for healthcare and nonprofit professionals starting in July.

Bindy Johnson of Illuminations by Gaia said “Such a beautiful day today at Yoga for Peace sharing sacred space with new and old friends. Thanks to YogaCaps and all the volunteers for creating such a space of Love and Unity today. It was such an honor to be a part of it.”  Deborah Shaw added “I learned so much and felt so fantastic. I'm still on a high”. Krystal Robillard said “I took so much from the experience and enjoyed every second”! Puja Rai Shetty summed it up in saying “Thanks Jay Gupta and all the yoga teachers and volunteers for the wonderful event. It was so rejuvenating and perfect gift for Mother's day. Though I could attend only for few hours, I enjoyed myself. Wish I could stay longer."

YogaCaps, Inc., a 501 c(3) nonprofit, is New England’s largest provider of free yoga services for people with chronic physical and mental health conditions. In the spirit of yoga, the conference was 100% powered by volunteers and the admission price was a donation from the heart. These donations will pay forward the peaceful impact of the day to support three worthy causes. As a result, 120 children from a number of remote villages in India with reap the transforming impact of Ekal Vidyalaya‘s services. A team of Merrimack High School students will receive scholarships to participate in Peace Jam’s peace and social justice training where they will also engage with Nobel Laureates. Seniors, hospitalized disabled veterans and people with conditions like cancer and mental health disorders will be empowered by learning yoga techniques that enhance their health and well-being by YogaCaps.

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