‘Yoga on Hill’-An initiative by the Indian High Commission for distressed American soldiers

By NewsGram Staff Writer

The Congressional Yogi Association in collaboration with the Indian High Commission organized the first-ever 'Yoga on the Hill' at Capitol Hill, the seat of US Congress, on May 1. The event was led by Keith Mitchell, former National Football League (NFL) player. The motto of this event was to advocate better physical and mental health for the US military veterans.

According to recent data, 40 per cent army personnel are suffering from mental problems. It is estimated that ever since the war started in Afghanistan in 2001, more than 100,000 combat veterans have sought help for mental illness.

Notably, Yoga is considered to be a form of health care support in the cases of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Lawmaker Ryan, who joined the Yoga and meditation session, said, "The extremely high levels of stress Americans deal with on a daily basis is an important issue facing our country."

"Mindfulness and the practice of yoga help to reduce stress, improve concentration, and increase feelings of well-being," he said expressing support for the event.

The month long event will end on June 21, the first International Yoga Day. The event was attended by prominent guests from all spheres of life. Democrat House members, Tim Ryan, Charles Rangel, Brenan Mullaney from Team Red and some Iraq war veterans participated in the event.

The Indian High Commission will organize special event on June 21, to commemorate the International Yoga Day. As per counselor Mohit Yadav of Indian embassy, Shri Shri Ravi Shankar may attend the program and he will give lecture on 'Nurturing peace through Yoga and Meditation'. The Indian Embassy also hosted an event at an open theatre at University of Maryland, in partnership with their student association DESI (Develop, Empower and Synergize India), Life in Yoga organization and the Art of Living Foundation.