STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - s4story -- Against a backdrop of rising concerns surrounding mental health, social isolation, stress, and declining spiritual connection, religious leaders, yoga practitioners, interfaith advocates, and community members gathered at the Staten Island Hindu Temple – Shree Ram Mandir for the 33rd World Yoga Festival and the 12th International Day of Yoga.

The event was co-organized by the Staten Island Hindu Temple and the World Yoga Community, an NGO associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications and accredited in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The gathering promoted dialogue surrounding spirituality, mindfulness, community wellness, intercultural understanding, and mental well-being.

Recent research continues to highlight growing public concern surrounding mental health and social connection. According to the World Health Organization, anxiety and depression affect hundreds of millions of people globally, while social isolation and stress remain major public concerns worldwide.

In addition, a 2026 study published in Scientific Reports examined associations between spirituality, religion, and mental health outcomes, contributing to growing research suggesting that spiritual engagement and religious involvement positively influence emotional well-being, resilience, and overall quality of life.

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Organizers and speakers emphasized the importance of creating spaces where people of different backgrounds can come together to discuss spirituality, healthy living, service to others, and community unity.

The yoga sessions were led primarily by Mr. Praveen Sharma, a yoga instructor with more than 45 years of experience, who guided attendees ranging from first-time participants to longtime practitioners through exercises centered on mindfulness, breathing, and personal wellness.

Guruji H.H. Dileepkumar Thankappan, internationally known as "Guru Dileepji," founder and president of the World Yoga Community, also led participants through exercises and discussed the international recognition of World Yoga Day and the importance of preserving spiritual traditions and holistic approaches to community wellness. Originally from Kerala, India, Guru Dileepji also shared his personal experiences studying under a yogi who reportedly lived beyond 120 years of age.

A resolution from the NY State Senate and Assembly was ceremonially presented during the festival for Yoga Day, recognizing the decades-long efforts of the Staten Island Hindu Temple and the World Yoga Community to uplift communities through spirituality, cultural unity, wellness awareness, and service to humanity. In accepting the honor, Guruji H.H. Dileepkumar Thankappan and fellow organizers reflected that their mission has never been driven by awards or public recognition, but by a sincere commitment to serving others and strengthening the spiritual and emotional well-being of the community for many years. The acknowledgment highlighted the growing recognition of grassroots interfaith and wellness initiatives that continue to bring people together across cultural and religious lines during a time of increasing social isolation and mental-health challenges.

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Guest speaker Mr. Myles Parker, representative of the L. Ron Hubbard Foundation and director of the historic L. Ron Hubbard Landmark in Bay Head, New Jersey — where Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health was authored by engineer, humanitarian, and Scientology founder Mr. L. Ron Hubbard — spoke on service, interfaith understanding, and community unity before presenting Mr. Praveen Sharma and Mr. Radhakrishna Mohan, trustee of the Staten Island Hindu Temple board, with a copy of L. Ron Hubbard: A Profile in celebration of the 33rd World Yoga Festival for inclusion in the temple's library, which they graciously accepted.

The event concluded with a shared message echoed throughout the day: that dialogue, spirituality, mutual respect, community service, and human connection remain vital components in building a more compassionate and unified society.