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International Yoga Day 2025 was marked with uplifting energy, deep spiritual resonance, and a dash of humor as Emmy-nominated filmmaker and wellness advocate Tirlok Malik brought smiles to faces worldwide with his signature “Happy Life Yoga” session at Central Park, New York. The event was “UPLIFTNY2025,” an inspiring celebration of International Yoga Day hosted by philanthropist Meera Gandhi and her foundation, “The Giving Back Foundation.”

Held on June 21, the event blended yoga, mindfulness, laughter, and storytelling — all elements that have come to define Malik’s unique approach to wellness. With the backdrop of Central Park’s summer bloom, participants from various walks of life gathered in person and online, connecting across continents through yoga and joy.

On June 22, the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) hosted its Annual Global Virtual Celebration, continuing its tradition of organizing large-scale online gatherings since the pandemic. Now in its fourth consecutive year of going digital, the GOPIO event has evolved into a truly global affair, connecting Indian-origin professionals, leaders, and changemakers across time zones.

Ambassador Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York, served as the Chief Guest for this virtual event, which was led by GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham and President Prakash Shah. Participants included individuals from diverse regions — North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia — and professions ranging from scientists and authors to entrepreneurs and even a Nobel Peace Prize nominee.

Tirlok Malik participated in the event as both a wellness advocate and filmmaker, sharing insights into how joy and positive thinking can serve as bridges between cultures. “Whether it’s yoga or storytelling, the aim is to touch lives and spread happiness,” he said during the virtual gathering.

On the cinematic front, Malik was also present at The New York Indian Film Festival, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its journey as the oldest and most respected Indian film festival in North America.

Tirlok Malik, who has attended every edition of the festival, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Aseem Chhabra, the festival director, and the entire team for consistently organizing this enriching event for New Yorkers. He also praised the festival as a vibrant space where audiences can enjoy the premieres of thought-provoking, artistic films and engage with members of the film fraternity in an atmosphere brimming with creative energy.

Among the showcased films was Tanvi the Great, a moving feature directed by the legendary Anupam Kher, which received heartfelt appreciation for its powerful performances and universal theme. There was also Mr Anupam Kher’s friend, a Hollywood and New York’s most loved actor, Robert De Niro.

Meanwhile, Malik’s short film Hello Dad — directed by Neha Lohia and co-starring Swiss actress Ankita Makwana — continues to gain critical acclaim. The touching father-daughter story, filmed in New York, has been honored with the prestigious Environmental Media Association (EMA) Green Seal Award. This recognition is reserved for productions that adhere to eco-friendly filming practices while delivering compelling narratives.

From breathing joy into yoga mats in Central Park to sparking emotional introspection through film, Tirlok Malik continues to inspire across mediums and platforms. His work — grounded in joy, wellness, and consciousness — reminds us that happiness isn’t a luxury, but a daily practice.

The post Tirlok Malik Lights Up New York with Laughter and Joy appeared first on Good News!.

Mission
I am very grateful to have the honor of fulfilling my father’s prophesy in 1944 at the Swiss border when the Nazis were chasing us. I was 4 years old and when he threw me over the barbed wire fence he said, “Save my daughter and she will serve you forever.” It has been a painful, tiring yet inspirational journey in reaching my goal to have a deeper understanding of myself, my purpose in life, in relationship to the world around me. One thing I always hung on to were my father’s words of serving, so I “hung out” with God, asked for guidance, tried to have patience and faith which gave me hope and wisdom to understand that everything is in divine time. You are my voice of hope on earth to ensure that no human being goes to bed hungry, has a warm bed to sleep in, medicine, education, a fruitful and meaningful life, and a way to peace – in a peaceful way. Together, and with God’s blessings…everything is possible.
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