Message from New York State Congressman the Honorable Dr. Nader J. Sayegh

Dear Friends,

It is truly a great pleasure to be able to contribute to such a commendable and worthy publication. As a New York State Assemblyman, and as a human being living on this planet, I personally aligned with the goals of the International Day of Yoga Committee, seeking global peace and harmony, interfaith dialogue and multiculturalism.

As the first Jordanian-American elected to the New York State Legislature, I bring to this role in government a global perspective that I believe well serves the people of our cities and nation, where nearly half of the residents were born in other nations.

My City of Yonkers is New York’s third largest city with more than 100 nationalities present, so it was my pleasure to introduce legislation and resolutions that encompass the International Day of Yoga’s themes of Multiculturalism and World Peace. My first major interaction with Yoga and interfaith and global peace efforts came through meeting my good friend and brother, Guriji H.H. Dileepukmar Thankappan, the founder, global chairman and CEO of the World Yoga Community, Inc. He has risen to global prominence through his global outreach at the United Nations and I am proud to call him a close friend. His commendable and laudable efforts have done much to expand Yoga and Wellness in the United States and indeed across the world.

I have participated in numerous conferences and events relating to Yoga and Interfaith, and find that I have attained a greater appreciation for the global effort made in the pursuit of these honorable and worthy goals. In times such as these, with political, cultural and racial polarization at an all-time high, we need to be reminded that we are all citizens of the world, and are all human beings with a common bond. Eventually I am confident that we shall see light overcome darkness and goodness over evil as these wonderful organizations such as the International Day of Yoga continue their good work.

I congratulate Denise Scotto, Chair of the International Day of Yoga Committee at the United Nations, and the numerous advocates and volunteers who commit countless efforts to making our Mother Earth cleaner, healthier, safer and vibrant; including Climate Control and Environmental Conservation. I also salute the efforts to prepare this informative Yoga Journal which brings the message out to an even wider group of people.

I was proud to introduce in the New York State Assembly, Resolutions also introduced in the State Senate by Senator Kevin Thomas, memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 21, 2022 as Yoga Day in the State of New York. The measure was broadly supported. The Resolutions passed both the Assembly and State Senate unanimously. Additionally, we have collaborated and worked hard together to bring greater awareness and appreciation to the mission undertaken by our Leadership, the Committees and our commendable advocates and volunteers.

Keep up the Great Work!