On Saturday, 18th March 2023, Esther Ekhart will be dedicating her monthly online Satsang to Yoga Stops Traffick – with all donations raised going directly to the campaign. We would love for more people in our community to get involved! Here’s how…
What is Yoga Stops Traffick?
Yoga Stops Traffick is a global campaign run by UK charity Adventure Ashram. We unite yoga enthusiasts across the globe to raise awareness and funds for survivors of human trafficking. The funds raised from Yoga Stops Traffick support the grassroots charity, Odanadi Seva Trust, to help rescue and rehabilitate women and children affected by human trafficking in South India.
The date set for the annual Yoga Stops Traffick 2023 flagship event is Saturday, March 11th. On this day hundreds of yoga practitioners globally will roll out their mats in solidarity with the young survivors of human trafficking in India. The biggest event takes place in front of Mysore Palace and is organised by Odanadi.
Why join the Yoga Stops Traffick campaign?
The funds raised from the Yoga Stops Traffick campaign support our Indian grassroots partner, Odanadi, to provide safe shelter and therapeutic support for women and children affected by human trafficking, domestic violence, slavery and child marriage in India.
It is estimated around 135,000 children are trafficked in India alone every year as South Asia becomes one of the fastest growing regions for human trafficking in the world.
It is estimated around 135,000 children are trafficked in India alone every year as South Asia becomes one of the fastest growing regions for human trafficking in the world.
Odanadi runs two safe houses which can house up to 100 women and children at any one time. At Odanadi, the young survivors receive individually tailored support to help them heal from their trauma and rebuild their lives. This includes counselling, yoga, art, karate, plus access to ongoing legal support and vocational training opportunities.
Many of Odanadi’s residents have gone on to study at university and follow their dreams, becoming lawyers, journalists, social workers, entrepreneurs, mechanics, beauticians, videographers and more.
How do I get involved?
Anyone can take part by hosting a donation-based Yoga Stops Traffick yoga class or event. You could join an event near you, in person or online, (join us here at EkhartYoga!), or practicing yoga in your own homes and donating. You can also support Yoga Stops Traffick by becoming a regular donor.
- Join Esther’s Satsang: Please sign up here
- Host an event: Take part here
- Join a YST event: Take a look at YST 2023 events here
- Become a regular donor: donate here
I strongly believe in the power of yoga to heal and make a positive change to the world. The incredible work of Yoga Stops Traffick takes this to a whole new level and I feel honoured to support their campaign. ~ Esther Ekhart
Help share the story
Yoga Stops Traffick is running a TikTok and Instagram campaign to help spread the word. With your help, in 2023 we can bring @YogaStopsTraffick to more people than ever before! To help us with this, we’d love you to film a short clip of yourself practicing your favourite asana and share it on Instagram or TikTok, with the mantra:
“May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.”
The goal is to leave viewers feeling inspired and motivated to get involved with this important cause. When sharing the clip on your channels, please tag @yogastopstraffick #YST2023. You can also tag a friend to spread the word! The text overlay of the mantra can be designed any way you see fit.
Please share this between now and 11th March 2023
… when hundreds of people will be practicing yoga in front of Mysore Palace, at the flagship YST event, raising awareness about human-trafficking.
For anyone taking part, a minimum donation of £15 is suggested and everyone is encouraged to treat themselves to some of Yoga Stops Traffick’s merchandise which includes t-shirts and tote bags, yoga mats, organic bolsters and cork blocks and bricks. You can find all these items in the Yoga Stops Traffick online shop. Find more information at yogastopstraffick.org.
Image courtesy of Yoga Stops Traffick from their event at Mysore Palace.
