Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA, Inc. (HSS) concluded its Tenth Annual Health for Humanity Yogathon on January 31, 2016. During the two-week Yogathon, over 10,000 participants from close to 200 locations across the US, participated in the yoga routine known as the Sun Salutation, or Surya Namaskara.
HSS launched the Health for Humanity Yogathon as an annual event in 2007 to create awareness about yoga and its advantages in achieving a healthy body, mind, and spirit. The Surya Namaskar yoga routine integrates simple postures of well-balanced movements in ten steps with an easy breathing technique to provide immense health benefits for everyone, from beginners to yoga enthusiasts. HSS conducts the Yogathon, or Surya Namaskara Yajna, at this time of year to coincide with the traditional Makar Sankranti festival, which falls on January 14. Since its inception, participants from 40 states actively took part via various Yoga Centers, community organizations, schools and colleges regardless of individual faiths and beliefs, have participated and collectively performed over 4 million Surya Namaskars. Community leaders and many elected officials across the nation have appreciated this initiative and encouraged their residents to participate and gain the benefits of an overall healthy life style.
Over 35 elected officials including Mayors, Congressmen, Senators and State Governors acknowledged Health for Humanity Yogathon by proclaiming within their jurisdiction and by encouraging their constituents to participate in yogathon. As a result, lot of energy from community members and active participation from all age groups was observed.
Several HSS centers across the nation conducted special yogathon event from six hours to 24 hours. A six-hour marathon session was held in South Plainfield, NJ where hundreds of volunteers participated and together performed close to five thousand (5k) Surya Namaskars. Several other public events took place nationwide involving universities, businesses, yoga studios, temples, and cultural and community organizations.
National coordinator for Yogathon Mr. Dhananjay Singh and Mr. Vinod Sastry, said that Health for Humanity Yogathon program has helped general public to gain knowledge of Yoga and simple techniques to practice. This is the largest achievement of this program that will help the broader American society to stay fit and healthy.