Virginia Governor Ralph S. Northam

WHEREAS, yoga is the ancient practice of keeping the mind, body, and spirit in good health; and

WHEREAS, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) is a non-profit social and cultural organization that aims to preserve and pass on ancient Hindu heritage and cultural values to the next generation, and to raise awareness of Hindu culture worldwide; and

WHEREAS, the Surya Namaskar, also known as the Sun Salutation, integrates simple yoga postures that, along with breathing techniques, provide the practitioner with the key health benefits of yoga practice; and

WHEREAS, HSS is organizing the Yoga for Health, Health for Humanity Yogathon with the goal of completing 1,000,000 Surya Namaskar by 20,000 participants by January 27, 2019, in order to promote friendship, mutual understanding, and good health among all members of the community; and

WHEREAS, yoga enthusiasts, yoga studios, local schools, and community organizations from across the Commonwealth are committed to participating in this event; and

WHEREAS, anyone, regardless of age, religion, gender, or race, is invited to include Surya Namaskar as part of their daily physical and spiritual practice to contribute to achieving this goal;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ralph S. Northam, do hereby recognize January 12-27, 2019, as SURYA NAMASKAR AWARENESS PERIOD in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.