Nearly 5,000 New Yorkers gathered in the heart of Central Park for UPLIFTNY25 on June 21, a powerful and inspiring day filled with yoga, meditation, music, and holistic healing. Marking both the International Day of Yoga and the Summer Solstice, the full-day event at Rumsey Playfield was presented by celebrity philanthropist and author Meera Gandhi and her Giving Back Foundation (GBF). GBF partnered with the NYC Mayor’s Office of Sports, Wellness & Recreation and the Indian Consulate.
Attendees of all ages participated in a diverse lineup of activities designed to promote mental well- being, spiritual growth, and community connection.
“UpliftNY25 was a powerful reminder that when we come together in the spirit of service and unity, we create real and lasting change,” noted Meera Gandhi, Founder of The Giving Back Foundation.
“I am deeply moved by the compassion and commitment shown by everyone involved. This is how we build a better world—one act of kindness, one heart at a time. The energy was radiant, and the impact will ripple far beyond this moment.”
“As we gather in the spirit of mindfulness and shared purpose, may this celebration encourage us all to embrace yoga’s values in our daily lives—for personal well-being and a more sustainable and compassionate world,” said Ambassador Binaya S. Pradhan, Consul General for India in New York.
Throughout the day, attendees engaged in a wide range of wellness activities led by renowned practitioners and performers including:
- Spiritual guidance on managing anxiety and stress with Bhushan Deodhar, US liaison for Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
- Yoga and meditation sessions with Inga Benson, Tirlok Malik (founder of Happy Life Yoga)
- Aura chakra healing led by Miriam Belov
- Live music and DJ sets by DJ Rekha and Madame Gandhi (Kiran Gandhi), an electronic music producer, drummer, artist, and activist
- A high-energy closing dance session led by Daybreaker
In a special moment, several audience members had the opportunity to ask questions of spiritual leader Bhushan Deodhar, including a young girl from the local organization Global Girls Glow, who asked about strategies for overcoming stress and anxiety.
Participants were treated to a complimentary vegetarian lunch.
The Daybreaker dance party brought the day to a resounding close. The question one asked: Was this a meditation, a movement, or a Summer Dream in the heart of Manhattan? As Meera Gandhi would likely say: “Does it really matter as long as we all left with a renewed energy in our being.”
As the sun set over Central Park, UPLIFTNY25 left behind more than just memories—it ignited a renewed sense of connection, purpose, and peace. In the heart of New York City, thousands came together not just to gather, but to grow.
For one powerful day, the park became a sanctuary for the soul—and its spirit will echo long after the final note faded.
About The Giving Back Foundation
The Giving Back Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting mental wellness, community engagement, and holistic well-being. Through various programs and events, the foundation fosters connections, healing, and personal growth, working to create lasting, positive changes in the lives of individuals and communities.
About Meera Gandhi
Meera Teresa Gandhi is the daughter of an Indian admiral and an Irish mother, raised in India and later educated in the UK, Ireland, and Canada. Her lifelong commitment to service began at 16, when she volunteered and met Mother Teresa—a transformative encounter that sparked her dedication to giving back. She has also written a book titled ‘3Tips‘.
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