SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (Diya TV) — A Missouri pastor criticized yoga for its ‘demonic intent’ because of Hinduism influences. John Lindell of the James River Church in Ozark, Mo., which serves over 10,000 people in its congregation, warned Christians to not partake in the activity.

“They were designed, they were created with demonic intent, to open you up to demonic power because Hinduism is demonic,” Lindell said during a sermon on Oct. 28 according to the Springfield News-Leader.

While yoga is a longstanding practice originating from India, there is no indication that it is based off religious values. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, it is stated yoga doesn’t adhere to any particular religion or belief system.

Yoga translates to “union” in Sanskrit, an ancient language of India. Given its broad meaning, the practice has varied locally and abroad. In addition, there are variations in certain disciplines — which can have a Hinduism, Buddhism or Jainism influence — but it is dependent on the type of schools, practices and goals one is pursuing.

In the U.S., it’s become popular for various outcomes. Whether it be for physical, mental or spiritual pleasure, yoga has served as a peaceful outlet for many without it impacting their religious beliefs. While Lindell claimed it’s “spiritually dangerous,” many in the area have responded.

Heather Worthy, a Christian and yoga instructor in Springfield, only had four people attend her class following the sermon.

“It’s so frustrating,” Worthy told the Springfield News-Leader. “The whole thing is quite ludicrous to me.”

Worthy felt attacked, and she wasn’t alone.

With about a dozen yoga classes in the Springfield area, Amanda Davis has spent her last 12 years as an instructor.

“Yoga doesn’t prescribe to any religion, and I don’t think people understand that so they get false ideas about it,” Davis said, one week after a Florida gunman killed two people and injured five at a yoga studio.

Indian-American cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Samir Pancholi was reappointed to the Nevada State Board of Osteopathic Medicine.

LAS VEGAS (Diya TV) — Indian-American cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Samir Pancholi was reappointed to the Nevada State Board of Osteopathic Medicine.

A diplomat of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, Pancholi utilizes artistic approach. His focus in breast augmentation and breast implant revision surgery has led his practice to becoming one of the fastest growing cosmetic surgery practices in Las Vegas.

Highly respected by peers and considered an expert in the field of cosmetic procedures, he has published several articles. He serves on several cosmetic surgery boards and committees and lectures on cosmetic surgery locally, nationally and internationally. He performs live surgery demonstrations to share his techniques with other surgeons and students.

His experience includes serving as President and Vice President of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. Pancholi was elected as a trustee to the International Division of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery in 2016. He is an inductee in the Hall of Fame for the World Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.

Pancholi also launched the community driven Las Vegas award, to celebrate the hard work, effort, and commitment of local startup companies and entrepreneurs. Pancholi was inducted as a Fellow of the Federation of State Medical Boards in 2013. Additionally, Pancholi was included in Business Las Vegas’ “Top 40 Under 40,” which recognized his achievements in Las Vegas, as well as his charitable work.

Pancholi was selected as a guest editor to review peer articles submitted to The American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery in 2009.

After graduating from medical school, he completed a surgical internship at Ohio University. He spent five years training at Michigan State University in general surgery and head, neck and facial plastic surgery. He completed an advanced, one year accredited Cosmetic Surgery fellowship through the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery in 2006.

Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval also appointed Indian-American Swadeep Nigam to the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine as a public member.

WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The third annual International Day of Yoga was celebrated on June 17, 2017 at Sylvan Theater on the National Mall in Washington DC. Nearly 2000 people from all walks of life attended the event and participated in these celebrations with great enthusiasm.

The programme started with screening of the video messages from Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble External Affairs of India, Smt. Sushma Swaraj and Hon’ble Minister of State for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Naik. Emphasising the increasing relevance of Yoga in this day and age, the Prime Minister explained Yoga’s role as a means of experiencing and achieving holistic life in a balanced way, while the External Affairs Minister underlined the role of Yoga in relieving stress.

Then the following dignitaries shared the stage with Ambassador Navtej Sarna. Ambassador of Srilanka, Ambassador of Myanmar, Representatives from Embassy of Belgium, Embassy of Singapore and Jay Jalisi, Maryland State Delegate

Ambassador Navtej Sarna addressed the gathering. Welcoming the participants, Ambassador Sarna noted that the practice of Yoga is totally devoid of any political or communal motives and is dedicated to well-being of the humanity at large, as it leads to a state of mental and physical equilibrium.

The participants also included officials and representatives from the State Department, DC Govt, Smithsonian Institutions, World Bank, academic institutions, Think Tanks, representatives of various Embassies, local representatives of Indian news media and other key local organizations.

Many leaders from the United States issued proclamations and felicitation messages to support and commemorate the Third International Day of Yoga and spread awareness about Yoga. These included Governor of Maryland, Governor of Virginia, Senator Mark Warner, Senator Chris Van Hollen and Mayor of Washington DC.

Indian Embassy presented this event in collaboration with ‘Friends of Yoga’, a group of organizations which support and promote Yoga and community organizations to celebrate the Third International Day of Yoga. The event featured a musical montage of photos of the two previous Yoga Day events followed by guided Yoga session based on ‘Common Yoga Protocol’ video created by Government of India. The Yoga session concluded with Sanskrit Shaloks and Shantipath, the text for which was displayed on the Jumbo LED screen.

Following Government of India’s initiatives and plans for celebration of International Day of Yoga, Embassy has been organizing various yoga related curtain-raiser events to welcome and promote the International Day of Yoga. The Embassy is collaborating with Yoga organizations in the region to present events at the Capitol Hill, World Bank, Sri Siva Vishnu Temple, Heartfulness Institute, John Hopkins University in Washington DC and other places.