Padma Shri Dr. H. R. Nagendra, one of the world’s most respected yoga scholars and practitioners, has arrived in New York for an extensive series of events dedicated to promoting yoga, holistic health, and India’s ancient wellness traditions. The President of S-VYASA University in Bengaluru was accompanied by the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Dr. N. K. Manjunath, during the visit.
Upon their arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport, the distinguished guests were welcomed by Prem Bhandari, President of the Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA) in New York, along with Ajay Patel, Vice President of Jaipur Foot USA and Chief Coordinator of the organization’s permanent center in Trinidad and Tobago. Representatives from the Consulate General of India in New York and several prominent members of the Indian-American community also participated in the reception.
A number of meetings and interactive sessions have been planned during Dr. Nagendra’s stay in New York. The centerpiece of the visit will be his participation as Chief Guest at the International Day of Yoga celebrations scheduled for June 21, 2026, at Times Square. The event, organized by the Consulate General of India in New York, is expected to attract yoga enthusiasts and members of the broader community from across the region.
Dr. Nagendra has played a pivotal role in advancing yoga on the global stage. He contributed significantly to the planning and execution of the inaugural International Day of Yoga celebrations initiated by the Government of India in 2015. In addition to his work in yoga education and research, he has served on the Padma Awards Selection Committee established by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, further reflecting the esteem in which he is held.
Ahead of the Times Square celebration, organizations including RANA New York, BRUHUD NY Seniors, and Jaipur Foot USA will host a series of wellness-focused programs from June 12 to June 14 at the renowned YO1 Longevity & Health Resorts in New York. The sessions will explore topics related to yoga, preventive healthcare, and holistic living.
The events will feature presentations from a distinguished lineup of experts, including Vice Chancellor Dr. N. K. Manjunath, renowned interventional cardiologist Dr. Samin Sharma, healthcare leader Dr. Raj Bansal, and Dr. Rekha Bhandari, a prominent medical executive. Several participants have received prestigious recognition for their contributions to healthcare and community service in the United States.
A special lecture by Dr. Nagendra is also scheduled for June 22 through a collaboration involving the Consulate General of India, RANA New York, BRUHUD NY Seniors, and Jaipur Foot USA. The session will provide attendees with insights into yoga’s role in promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Messages of support for the initiative have come from several distinguished Indian personalities, including former International Court of Justice Judge Dr. Dalveer Bhandari, former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, and former diplomat Dr. Gyaneshwar Muley. Their endorsements underscore the growing global appreciation for yoga as a bridge between cultures and a pathway to healthier living.
Welcoming the visiting dignitaries, Prem Bhandari expressed confidence that Dr. Nagendra’s presence would inspire greater awareness of yoga and India’s traditional knowledge systems among both Indian-Americans and the wider American community. He noted that organizations such as RANA New York and Jaipur Foot USA have spent more than a decade promoting yoga through events at venues including the United Nations Headquarters, Capitol Hill, and Times Square, and that this visit would further strengthen those ongoing efforts.
