PM Modi’s call for International Yoga Day has got tremendous response from every nook and corner of the world. Especially in US, where yoga enjoys rising popularity, several groups are trying to organize the event on a vast scale. Almost 70 groups came forward and joined the campaign to make the Americans realize the link between India and Yoga. The ancient Science mushrooms all over US and has now become a multi-billion dollar business with New York City as Yoga Capital.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is supervising the arrangements in New York. The celebrations will be screened at Times Square to global audience.

As per sources, more than 100 cities in the United States gearing up to participate in the event while many enthusiasts are going to promote the science in Public places such as Central Park and Times Square.

The United Nations will celebrate the inaugural International Yoga Day on June 21 with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and General Assembly President Sam Kutesa gracing the occasion.

India arranges a special lecture and demonstration by Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on the occasion at New York.

Overseas Voluntary for Better India has been hosting several online outreach activities to garner support and spread awareness about Yoga and the international day.

The UN General Assembly had last year overwhelmingly adopted a draft resolution, declaring June 21 as International Yoga Day. A record 177 countries had co-sponsored the resolution.

In his maiden speech at 69th General Assembly session in September 2014, Modi formally initiated the idea of International Yoga Day and suggested June 21st, which is one of two solstices. The longest day in the Northern Hemisphere has already got some significance in many parts of the world.

- Manohar