Category: Health

 

Awakened Yoga – When Yoga Becomes the Path Back to the Self

HOUSTON: The International Day of Yoga at Universal Door Meditation Center was not just a day to train the body or improve focus — it was the revelation of Yoga under the light of Enlightenment.

When Awakened Zen Master Thích Dieu Thien illuminated Yoga with the wisdom of awakening, it transcended form and posture, becoming Awakened Yoga: a direct gateway to return to the True Self, to the Clear Mind.

In that sacred and serene space, through each conscious breath, each step grounded in presence, we began to see clearly:

• When the mind was clinging, controlling, or performing — that was the Attached Mind, the very root of suffering and delusion.
• When the mind rested in stillness and openness — that was the Clear Mind.

And in that seeing, the shift happened. Yoga became the Way.

After the Awakened Yoga session, the Awakened One gave a powerful Dharma talk. In the face of widespread instability, anxiety, and crisis — from climate to society to personal disconnection — human beings search for peace through external methods: yoga, meditation retreats, travel, social media… But all of these provide only temporary relief. Once the method is gone, suffering returns. People are pulled back into fear, competition, and restlessness — with no true escape.

Through all-knowing insight, the Awakened One opened the door to the ultimate truth: The Path of Awakening and Liberation, unveiling wisdom, awakening the innate Buddha-nature within each person, and shattering the veil of illusion.

All boundaries of religion, culture, and race faded into nothingness. The room became a pure ocean of silence, beyond space and time, where only a Radiant Source remained — and all returned to it.

Gratitude to the Hindus of Greater Houston, and to Lillian Manek, co-founder, Union is Creation, for wholeheartedly guiding the yoga session, not only beautiful in form, but also rich in depth — filled with awakening and boundless compassion.

 

By Juhi Varma

KATY, TX — Among the 30 International Day of Yoga events held across Houston this year, one stood out for its unique focus: a Spanish-language gathering at Active Coffee Shop in Katy, where Colombian yoga teacher Olga Prieto led 125 participants through an inclusive community practice.

“My English is fine for conversation,” she says, “but to teach yoga, I feel I can explain better in Spanish.”

Olga earned her teaching certification from SVYASA in 2022.

This wasn’t the first time yoga has been taught in Spanish—many instructors already offer classes in the language. But the event stood out for its scale, underscoring yoga’s growing popularity among Houston’s Hispanic community.

Olga, who balances careers as a petroleum engineer and yoga teacher, traces her love for yoga back more than 40 years, to a national park in Bogotá, Colombia. As a small child, she joined her parents for a weekly event known as “yoga at the park,” led by an India-trained yogi named Dario and a retired actress, Alicia de Rojas.

“She had a shock of thick white hair,” Olga remembers of de Rojas, a respected and well-known Colombian actress. “She was very expressive and enthusiastic, and said yoga was the secret to her long life and good health.” The free sessions were a popular gathering, but it wasn’t just the celebrity that drew people in—it was the community spirit and the healing power of yoga.

Olga continued practicing yoga throughout her life—even as she built a demanding career at Baker Hughes, moving to Texas 18 years ago. Initially, she turned to Bikram yoga to maintain her practice. But she dreamed of returning to more traditional forms.

Though her SVYASA training was in English, Olga always knew she wanted to teach in Spanish.

“Spanish comes more natural for me,” she said. “And so many people here want to do yoga, specially senior ladies, but struggle to follow instructions in English.”

What is SVYASA?

Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (SVYASA), a registered nonprofit which promotes education and community service through yoga.

“(Olga’s) was one of the best events I’ve been to,” said Vishwarup N., of SVYASA Houston. “It was the first time we heard of yoga happening in Spanish on IDY with so many people. I think we were the only few Indians there.”

SVYASA’s Houston chapter is under the leadership of husband-and-wife team Vishwarup N. and Smitha Mallaiah.

“The beauty of it was the integration,” said Smitha about the session. “The starting and ending prayers and names of all the asanas were in Sanskrit. We sometimes see a whitewash of yoga, it is always being translated. So it was nice to really see that it’s retained its personality, and it reached the people. The way Olga led the session was very beautiful and respectful.”

For the past five years, Hindus of Greater Houston have sponsored members of the African American and Hispanic communities to train as yoga teachers.

In Houston, SVYASA collaborates with the Hindu Temple of The Woodlands, among other organizations, to offer yoga classes. Olga, who lives in The Woodlands, completed her yoga instructor training at the temple.

There are multiple training programs and offered a variety of yoga classes led by certified instructors, said Smitha. There are also several yoga therapists based in The Woodlands.

“Olga ji began attending these sessions and was especially drawn to the way traditional yoga practices were combined with scientific knowledge,” she said.

Over the past 15 years, since they became directors, nearly 300 yoga teachers have been certified, Smitha said.

Among these certified instructors is Yasmin Udawala, who was one of their first students in 2016. Now a yoga teacher herself, Yasmin recalls the early days with SVYASA, when classes didn’t have a permanent location and were held at Keshav Smriti, the community center of Star Pipe Products.

Based in Clear Lake, Yasmin works with children through a summer camp program and offers private instruction, while also serving as secretary of the Indian Muslima Association of Greater Houston.

“Not everyone needs to be able to do every asana,” she said. “When you figure out what each person needs, it’s more healing.”

If you are interested in becoming yoga teacher with SVYASA, click here.

Active Coffee Shop

Earlier this year, Olga and her husband, Danilo Quinones teamed up with their friend Christian Reyes to open Active Coffee Shop in Katy. What began as a neighborhood café soon became a gathering place for wellness: Olga started offering free Saturday morning yoga classes in Spanish.

By the time International Day of Yoga arrived on June 21, more than 125 members of the Hispanic community unrolled their mats at Active Coffee Shop, eager to participate. For many, it was their first time attending a yoga class.

For Olga, the experience was affirming.

“The response has been very positive,” she said. “The community is very interested, but they just needed someone to teach them in Spanish.”

Each Saturday morning at 9 a.m., Olga makes the long drive from The Woodlands to Katy to lead class. Her husband helps her rehearse, gives feedback, and even joins in. “He’s my biggest supporter,” she says.

“I like to ride bicycles, run, swim, and I don’t feel any pain,” said Danilo. “But when I do yoga, I felt pain in muscles that I never knew I had before.”

Olga said her father continued practicing daily well into old age, crediting yoga with easing his illness and keeping his mind clear. That memory fuels her mission to make yoga accessible—free of charge—to anyone who wants it.

Today, her classes regularly draw 20 to 30 people, and she continues to study Hinduism and yoga philosophy to deepen her understanding of the tradition she loves.

For Houston’s Hispanic community, Prieto’s classes are more than exercise. They are an invitation—to feel welcome, to find balance, and to connect with something larger.

“I learned from classes that I took in the park in Columbia, and also the classes at SYVASA, that one of the principles is that you have to give back to your community,” she said. “And that’s what we wanted to do with these free yoga classes.”

Houston embraces yoga in parks, temples, and Town Squares

By Juhi Varma

HOUSTON: Houstonians gathered for the 11th International Day of Yoga, their mats forming patchwork quilts across parks and grounds, as the city embraced a day of wellness, community, and cultural connection.

More than 30 outdoor and indoor events took place across Houston this year to celebrate IDY 2025.

“I am so happy to witness participation in Houston Metro area,” said Sharad Amin, overall coordinator for IDY 2025 in the Houston Metro. “We are ready to organize a grand International Day of Yoga at one place on June 21, 2026 where more than 1000 yogis and yoginis can participate.”

SVYASA Houston, a nonprofit dedicated to yoga education, provided certified instructors to organizations in need of teaching support.

“We have been preparing for IDY 2025 since last December,” said Vishwarupa N, Executive Director of SVYASA. “SVYASA organized many events in community centers and provided teachers for 15 plus events.”

Hindus of Greater Houston supported media outreach efforts, with all events compiled into a single flyer coordinated by Bharat Patel, which helped attendees choose which event to attend.

India House

On Friday evening, India House partnered with the Consulate General of India in Houston and community organizations to host a spirited celebration.

“Yoga has truly become a movement and way of life of many Houstonians,” said CGI DC Manjunath. “This is manifest in the large number of events held this year to celebrate the 11th IDY in the Greater Houston region,”

The India House yoga session was led by Dr. David Frawley, a.k.a Pandit Vamadeva Shastri, a Padma Bhushan awardee. His message was clear– that “Yoga is not merely physical; it harmonizes inner and outer life”

“Yoga is India’s timeless gift to the world, a profound practice that nurtures not only the body but also the mind and the spirit,” said Pankaj Malani, president of India House. “Let us remember that yoga is more than just exercise, it’s a path towards holistic health, harmony and inner peace.”

Despite the heat, more than 400 people attended.

“This gathering reflects our shared commitment to health and harmony,” Col. Vipin Kumar said. “I am deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to making India House the vibrant hub of Houston’s IDY celebrations.”

Sugar Land

Nonprofit Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh hosted several yoga sessions, including one at Sugar Land Town Square on the morning of Saturday, June 21.

Organized by the youth wings of HSS and Hindu Yuva, the event reflected this year’s global theme, ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’. 

More than 250 participants gathered, including CGI D.C. Manjunath, Council Member Sanjay Singhal, and over a hundred youth volunteers. The session was led by Priyanshu Sheth and Vibhor Nigam. All attendees pledged to embrace yoga not just for a day, but as an integral part of daily life to contribute to a healthier self, a united community and a more peaceful world.

The office of Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers hosted a free, all-ages yoga event at the Precinct 3 Annex. Newly elected Sugar Land Mayor Carol McCutcheon was among those in attendance.

“My office organizes this event each year because I’ve seen firsthand how yoga brings our diverse community together in a meaningful way,” Meyers said. “When we practice yoga as neighbors, we’re not just improving our physical health – we’re strengthening the bonds that make Fort Bend County such a special place to live.”

The Universal Door Meditation Center in Sugar Land held its first outdoor event, led by Zen Master Thich Dieu Thien, drawing a diverse group of participants.

Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple held their yoga session in the presence of the 90-foot Abhaya Hanuman statue. “It was greatly empowering as Hanuman is the embodiment of strength, vitality and great focus with mastery over the senses,” said Dr. Aparna Tamirisa.

Several indoor events were also held across the city, with yoga studios offering different styles of practice. In Sugar Land, the Sewa Seniors group hosted a special chair yoga session led by yoga teacher and therapist Varsha Pangarkar.

“For many seniors it is very difficult to do mat yoga, so we decided to have a chair yoga session to introduce new people to yoga,” said Sewa member and community leader Vijay Kane.

“It was a very peaceful session, they chair yoga for the first time,” said Pangarkar. “We did a little bit of toning. We had a fun quiz about Father’s Day to break the ice.”

Eternal Gandhi Museum

The Eternal Gandhi Museum held its first International Day of Yoga celebration Sunday evening, quickly relocating the yoga session indoors when rain disrupted the planned outdoor setting.

“To our surprise and joy, no one complained, Attendees simply found their space — on stairs, in corners, by exhibits — transforming the museum into a peaceful sanctuary for practice,” said Saumil Malek.

The event was organized by Union is Creation and sponsored by HGH, Brahma Kumaris, and CGI – Houston, said Manish Wani.

Baytown

Baytown celebrated IDY in Baytown square. Mayor Charles Johnson presented a proclamation at city council proclaiming June 21, 2025, as the International Day of Yoga. This recognizes the universal appeal and numerous benefits of this practice.

“A successful IDY united our town in harmony,” said Bankim Shukla from Baytown.

NASA

NASA celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga at Space Center Houston, in an event hosted by the CGI India and supported by Rasa Yoga School of Ayurveda Yoga. A diverse crowd gathered for an asana practice under the shuttle and shuttle carrier aircraft. Organizer Kristen Wollard said the event embodied this year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” highlighting the connection between personal well-being and planetary health.

Katy-Fulshear

HSS hosted an IDY event on June 14 at Irene Stern Center, drawing 200 participants for general and chair yoga, said Pradeep Sharma, HSS coordinator. The event opened with a flag hoisting by Boy Scouts Pack 1836 and was attended by Mayor Don McCoy, city officials, and the Fulshear Police K-9 unit. Sixteen community groups supported the celebration including AOL, Gayatri Temple, HDYC, and KHC.

Olga Prieto led a Spanish-language IDY event at Active Coffee Shop in Katy, where more than 125 members of the Hispanic community took part.

“That was one of the best events I’ve been to,” said Vishwarupa N. “First time we heard of yoga happening in Spanish. I think we were the only few Indians there.”

Pearland

Vishva Hindu Parishad of America hosted a Sunday evening yoga session at Southdown Park, organized by Achalesh Amar. The event drew a strong turnout, as participants gathered with mats and water bottles to celebrate yoga in a festive atmosphere.

Hindu Temple of The Woodlands

The Hindu Temple of The Woodlands hosted a special workshop as part of the celebrations.

During a pranayama workshop, neonatologist, author, and TEDx speaker Dr. Nitin Ron demonstrated how breathwork can reduce stress and promote mental clarity. He shared insights from his book Pranayam: Breathing Techniques for Health, Healing and Tranquility.

“Our temple vision says, ‘one community, one temple, and one shared vision’,” Dr. Neeta Hiray said. “Just like  yoga pioneer  BKS Iyengar, once said ‘yoga is a light , which once lit, will never dim, the better the practice, the brighter the flame.’”

HOUSTON: BAPS Charities hosted its first-ever Healthcare Professionals Conference (HPC25), drawing more than 1,150 delegates from over 30 medical and allied disciplines to Houston, Texas. This groundbreaking event offered a rare convergence of clinical excellence and spiritual insight, centered on the theme “Enrich, Explore, Empower.”

With nine focused breakout tracks, over 60 speakers and facilitators, and up to 14 CE/CME-accredited sessions, HPC25 set a new standard for inclusive, interdisciplinary healthcare education—while also inspiring reflection on the deeper meaning of care.

“This wasn’t just a conference,” said Mahima Dave, PharmD, of Chicago. “It was a reawakening of what it means to heal with compassion, purpose, and humility.”

A Conference with a Conscience

At a time when burnout, detachment, and system fatigue challenge the global healthcare profession, HPC25 rekindled the original spirit that draws individuals to a life of healing.

“Most other conferences focus on what to do technically,” reflected Dr. Yagnesh Dave, an internist from Atlanta. “This one helped me reflect on how to become a better physician to treat my patients.”

“This experience was more than just another conference,” said Niki Patel, PharmD, MBA, CDCES, from Robbinsville, NJ. “It was about finding your heartbeat and empowering your life with the skills to serve society.”

Elevating Science with Soul

Accredited sessions explored cutting-edge topics such as artificial intelligence in medicine, clinical burnout, health equity, and the future of patient-centered care. But the emotional tone of the conference also touched many deeply.

“A truly inspiring gathering where clinical excellence met spiritual depth,” said Sara Rogers, a pharmacist and researcher from Houston. “The reminder that healing is both a science and a service was powerful.”

“This conference gave me science—and also how to use it,” added Dr. Sachin Shah, PharmD, FACC, FAHA, of San Jose. “It reignited the spirit of service in every attendee I spoke with.”

Keynote Spotlight: Compassionate Leadership

The keynote address by Jason Glover, CEO of Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center, emphasized the human element of care through his “Four L’s” philosophy: Love, Learn, Little Things Matter, and Larger Than Each of Us. His message resonated with delegates striving to maintain compassion amid growing technological complexity.

“How to actually maintain spirituality, even in the rough experiences—I really thought that was excellent,” said Larry Wedekind, CEO of IntegraNet Health, Houston.

“What I appreciate about Indian culture,” noted Prof. Juergen Scheele, CMO of Innoplexus from Germany, “is how intelligently they combine spirituality with the sciences.”

Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges

From practicing clinicians to aspiring healthcare professionals, the conference created space for collaboration, mentorship, and introspection. Specialized tracks catered to physicians, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, public health experts, and students—encouraging new connections across regional and professional boundaries.

“True networking in healthcare means collaboration without boundaries,” said Mayank Amin, PharmD, RPh, MBA, from Philadelphia, PA. “This conference helped break down invisible walls between professions.”

“The experience expanded my understanding of patient-centered care and reminded me of the humanity behind healthcare,” said Sneh Patel, a pre-med student.

“Surrounded by passionate professionals, we left feeling empowered, enriched, and deeply connected to a shared purpose of selfless service,” said Dr. Monica Patel, a dentist from Robbinsville, NJ.

Global Service, Local Impact

BAPS Charities also spotlighted international outreach initiatives in India, inspiring delegates to apply their skills in rural and underserved settings. These programs reaffirm the organization’s ethos: selfless service (seva) through professional excellence.

“In a profession where burnout and detachment are common,” said Rasesh Patel, a pharmacy consultant from Tampa, “this event offered something rare: healing, purpose, and reconnection.”

“Every moment was meaningful,” reflected Ami Patel, PharmD. “And ending with darshan made it unforgettable.”

As delegates return to their hospitals, clinics, and communities, many carry a renewed commitment to deliver care with not just excellence but empathy. HPC25 proved that when compassion guides technology and values shape leadership, healthcare becomes more than a profession—it becomes a service rooted in humanity.

For more details visit: https://www.bapscharities.org/hpc25/

Highlights video: https://youtu.be/hvXlpKWp_fI

HOUSTON: Over 30 events are planned across Greater Houston; new partners and guest speakers announced.

This summer, Greater Houston is once again preparing to roll out its yoga mats for the 11th annual International Day of Yoga (IDY), observed on June 21, 2025. Recognized globally since 2014, when it was first proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and adopted by the United Nations, IDY is celebrated each year on the summer solstice—the longest day of the year.

This year, in collaboration with the Consulate General of India, Houston, can look forward to more than 30 events across the region, including over 11 outdoor gatherings and 20 indoor sessions. Held in community centers, temples, parks, and cultural institutions, these events reflect the growing reach of yoga in everyday life. Buddhist and Nepalese organizations are joining in, highlighting yoga’s unifying power across traditions and communities.

An anticipated highlight is the first-ever three-day Ayurveda Yoga Camp, hosted at the Texas Hindu Campsite by Yoga Kulam from May 30 – Jun 1. This immersive experience will combine ancient healing traditions with yoga practice in a serene outdoor setting.

Also making headlines this year is the participation of Dr. David Frawley (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri), a Padma Bhushan awardee and globally respected Vedic scholar. Dr. Frawley will attend and speak at multiple events across the city.

The City of Houston is officially participating in IDY, with a celebration planned at Hermann Square on Saturday, June 14. This marks an important step in the city’s embrace of wellness and holistic health as a public priority. Meena Kankani, a Katy yoga therapist, is leading a series of Chair Yoga events to make the practice more accessible to seniors and people with limited mobility.

Numerous other groups are stepping up as first-time hosts, including the Eternal Gandhi Museum, Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Leslie Briones and Spanish yoga in Katy. SVYASA Houston, a nonprofit dedicated to yoga education, research, and service, is offering certified instructors to organizations in need of teaching support.

On the medical and mindfulness front, Dr. Nitin Ron, a renowned neonatologist and TEDx speaker, will lead a special workshop at the Hindu Temple of The Woodlands. Titled Mindfulness & Medicine, the June 21 session will explore how pranayam (breathwork) can support healing, stress relief, and mental clarity. Dr. Ron, whose work bridges traditional yogic practices and modern healthcare, has spoken at the NIH, NASA, and other global platforms. His latest book, Pranayam: Breathing Techniques for Health, Healing and Tranquility, has received acclaim for making ancient wisdom accessible to today’s world.

From school gyms to temple courtyards, and from quiet morning meditations to large community events, International Day of Yoga 2025 in Houston promises to be a celebration of wellness, unity, and spiritual reflection. Whether you’re a lifelong practitioner or just starting your yoga journey, there’s a space for you in this citywide movement.

Want to know what’s happening near you? Bharat Patel with Hindus of Greater Houston has compiled all the events in one place—check out hindusofhouston.org/yoga. He can be reached at 713-459-4326 or bapatel3@ gmail.com.

HOUSTON: On Sunday morning, February 9, Ashiana 55 After President Paru McGuire delivered a compelling and insightful presentation on Grief and Grieving to the Indian Seniors Citizen Association. She masterfully delved into the myriad causes of grief, eloquently articulated the five stages of the grieving process, and highlighted the transformative benefits of being part of a grief support group.

McGuire and her Board members addressed the ISCA members after their regular monthly meeting, held this time at the Vadtal Dham Shree Swaminarayan Temple on the city’s far westside. The opportunity was made possible by Yogesh Gandhi, President of ISCA and his committee, who provided a platform for this important presentation.  Ashiana 55 After extends its heartfelt gratitude to them for their support in fostering meaningful conversations on topics that deeply impact our community.

As the emcee, Board Director Deepti Patel skillfully introduced *Ashiana 55 After* with a perfect blend of clarity, humor, and heartfelt warmth, drawing everyone into the conversation. She also shared her own journey through grief, speaking from the heart about the challenges and emotional toll of a loved one’s prolonged illness. Her openness and vulnerability created a profound connection with the audience, inspiring hope and solidarity.

The session was enriched by heartfelt contributions from speakers on the Ashiana 55 After Board of Directors and Board of Advisors. Indo American News’ Publisher Jawahar Malhotra’s moving speech resonated deeply with the audience as he candidly shared his recent profound loss, captivating everyone with his authenticity and grace. Rajeshree Choudhary seamlessly intertwined the themes of dance, gardening, and the healing journey through grief, painting a vivid picture of resilience and renewal. Dilip Desai eloquently addressed the pivotal role of religion and spirituality in navigating grief, delivering his poignant message in Gujarati, which added a powerful personal touch.

This presentation marked the beginning of many meaningful conversations that A55A intends to have with the community, reinforcing the essential role of support and community in the journey through grief. It was a reminder that through shared experiences and compassionate connections, we can find solace and strength.

By Ranjana Vadhva Bedi

HOUSTON: Mental Illness diagnosis and treatment has made considerable progress in the last decade but remains a taboo topic in the Indo-American (IA) community. Propelled by reports of an increase in mental illness in the IA community and a perceived reluctance among community members to openly discuss mental health issues, four concerned citizens have formed an organization in the Greater Houston area, to facilitate dialogue on mental illness.

Their aim is to show that mental illness is no different than physical illness, both being eminently treatable. Towards achieving this aim and with mental wellness as the goal, they have formed an organization called REACH for Resources, increase Education, create Awareness, connect with the IA Community in order to promote mental Health.

There is a saying “You are as healthy as your mind is”, which reflects the true importance of mental wellness. For those with mental illness, diagnosis and treatment pave the way to recovery and mental wellness. Just as people with physical illnesses lead productive lives, so can those with mental illnesses. REACH hopes to make inroads into the community so that Indo-Americans are encouraged to access mental health care resources. REACH will compile a
network of culturally attuned providers, making it easier and more comfortable to access care.

REACH was invited to participate in the annual Health Fair at the Arya Samaj of Greater Houston on Saturday, April 6. A seminar on “Mental Health Stigmatized? Recognize and Recover” was conducted by Dr. Renu Thomas, a licensed psychologist followed by a lively question and answer session, as well as private consultations. It was encouraging to note the participationlevel in these sessions, with no reluctance in discussing mental illness.

Through several initiatives, REACH will aim to remove the stigma of mental illness in our community by providing ample discussion opportunity and direction toward expert resources. The organization will target audiences such as middle and high schoolers, college students, parents, young professionals, seniors, singles and others. REACH will partner with other organizations that have similar goals, with coordinated plans to bring expert speakers in mental
health conditions such as depression, trauma, anxiety, loneliness, eating disorders.

To achieve openness and acceptance of mental health within the Houston Indo-American community, REACH will invite community leaders, temple heads, stakeholders and community members for support and to share the vision and mission of REACH. The official LAUNCH for REACH Mental Wellness will be on September 15 at Indian Summer Restaurant in Sugar Land. The Board of Directors of REACH consists of Alpa Shah (President), Vibha Agrawal (Treasurer) Rajan Radhakrishnan (Director of Communications) and Ranjana Vadha Bedi (Interim
Secretary).

If your organization would like to hold a session/discussion/talk/workshop at your facility, or if you are a mental health provider (psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, counselor etc.) and wish to be included in the network of providers or expert speakers, please visit https://reachmentalwellness.org/. Communications via info@reachmentalwellness.org will be forwarded to the Board of Directors of REACH.