Senate Resolution No. 285

BY: Senator MAYER

COMMENDING Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh upon the
occasion of hosting its 18th Annual Health for
Humanity Yogathon from January 18-February 2, 2025

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay just tribute to the cultural heritage of the ethnic groups which
comprise and contribute to the richness and diversity of the community
of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh upon the occasion of hosting its 18th
Annual Health for Humanity Yogathon from January 18-February 2, 2025;
and

WHEREAS, Yoga is an ancient Hindu practice developed thousands of
years ago in the Indian subcontinent for maintaining spiritual, mental,
and physical well-being; and

WHEREAS, Surya Namaskara, or Sun Salutation, is a traditional yogic
practice combining a sequence of postures with breathing exercises; and

WHEREAS, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, or HSS, is a nonprofit charitable
organization with over 233 branches in 169 cities and in 32 states
including New York, through which it conducts a Hindu values education
program for the Hindu families, and community service activities such as
food drives, providing hot meals to shelters and other Sewa ("Service")
activities in several cities; and

WHEREAS, HSS is organizing its annual Health for Humanity Yogathon
with the goal of having over 10,000 individual participants practice
Surya Namaskar to promote the spiritual, mental, and physical well-being
of all members of the community; and

WHEREAS, Health for Humanity Yogathon, also known as "Surya Namaskar
Yajna" (Sun Salutation Yogathon), is running from January 18-February 2,
2025; the 16-day event aims to create awareness about Yoga and its
advantages in achieving a healthy body, mind, and spirit; and

WHEREAS, Surya Namaskar integrates simple Yoga postures in 10 steps
that, along with an easy breathing technique, can provide immense health
benefits to the body and the mind; this campaign encourages people from
across the country, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, faith, or
nationality, to participate and achieve personal goals of a healthy
lifestyle; and

WHEREAS, In January 2024, over 15,500 residents from 36 states
participated in this event; furthermore, more than 4,640 students and
teachers from 35 schools across the nation participated, learned, and
performed "Surya Namaskars"; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity
to recognize such events of significance which foster ethnic pride and

exemplify the cultural diversity that represents and strengthens the
fabric of the people and the State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh upon the occasion of hosting its 18th
Annual Health for Humanity Yogathon from January 18-February 2, 2025, to
promote the spiritual, mental, and physical well-being of all members of
the community, encouraging all citizens to participate in this health
awareness activity; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh.