Fourth Annual Health for Humanity Yogathon Starts in Houston
JANUARY 22, 2010

HOUSTON: The fourth annual Health for Humanity Yogathon organized by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA, Inc. (HSS) commenced on Jan. 16.

Within first five hours on January 16, 1194 participants performed 39,173 Surya Namaskars at 55 different places all across the United States.

The Health for Humanity Yogathon involves a unique, nationwide effort by HSS to create awareness about yoga and its advantages in achieving a healthy body, mind, and spirit.

During the two-week Yogathon, from Jan. 16 to Jan. 31, HSS will encourage its members and others at its 140 centers across the country to perform one million repetitions of the yoga routine known as the Sun Salutation, or Surya Namaskar.

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, whether you are a beginner or a yoga enthusiast. HSS invites everyone to learn the Surya Namaskar yoga routine, participate in the Health for Humanity Yogathon, and experience the benefits of achieving a healthy body, mind, and spirit through yoga.

Since 2007, the Yogathon has attracted the attention of the yoga community, civic leaders, and even elected officials across the country.

Many have encouraged their fellow citizens to participate for a healthier lifestyle. Following are the highlights to date, of this year’s Yogathon:

1. Number of Schools are participating and training the students during exercise hour.

2. Mayor William McLeod of Hoffman Estates, a suburb of Chicago, IL actively participated in the local SNY workshop.

3. City of Decatur in Georgia declared Jan. 17 as “Yoga Day/Surya Namaskar Day, USA.”

4. Ramesh Bhutada, CEO of Starpipe Products in Houston, has encouraged his employees to participate in this Yogathon. Every day over 20 employees are attending the Surya Namaskar session at the company’s premises.

Bhutada narrated his experience, “Only with Diet and exercise, I have recovered from 11 different ailments in last 12 months, without any medication.”

5. Visiting Chinese professional Guo Wen Jing participated in Yogathon event at George Bush Park, Houston, and commented, “The atmosphere of this event was harmonious, I was deeply inspired since it’s my first time to do Surya Namaskar with nice people in a scenic beauty park. It has turned into a wonderful memory of mine.”

A 24-hour yogathon will be held from Jan. 29, 6 p.m. to Jan. 30, 6 p.m. at Keshav Smruthi.
Vijay Pallod of Hindus of Greater Houston, who is coordinating this event, said “Over 25 organizations are joining the movement for the first time in Houston.”

Many prominent personalities are expected to attend, Pallod said.

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh is a non-profit cultural organization with over 140 chapters throughout the U.S.A. For more information about HSS, contact by email at sampark@hssus.org or call Manoj Rathi 713-732-8233