21 June,2026 02:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/Special Arrangement
More than 2,000 people gathered at Priyadarshini Park in south Mumbai on Sunday to mark the International Day of Yoga, participating in a large-scale yoga session that combined wellness activities with messages on environmental responsibility.
The event, titled Sea-Side Yoga Utsav 2026, was organised around the theme "Yoga for Healthy Ageing". Organisers said the programme sought to highlight the importance of maintaining physical and mental well-being while also encouraging greater awareness about environmental conservation.
The gathering drew participants from a wide range of age groups and backgrounds. Among those who took part were more than 360 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets, 50 Indian Coast Guard personnel, around 100 senior citizens and 50 specially-abled individuals. Students, yoga practitioners and residents from different parts of Mumbai also attended the programme.
Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale, Member of Parliament Milind Deora, and Member of the Legislative Council Manisha Kayande were among the dignitaries present at the event.
The initiative was led by organiser Susieben Shah, while the yoga session was conducted by yoga educator and naturopath Ravi Dixit.
Speaking at the event, Shah stressed the connection between personal health and environmental well-being. She said that yoga promotes balance not only within individuals but also in their relationship with the environment.
According to Shah, concerns linked to climate change and extreme weather patterns underscore the need for greater environmental awareness. She noted that maintaining healthy ecosystems is closely connected to ensuring long-term human well-being.
One of the key segments of the programme was a mass environmental pledge taken by participants. Organisers said more than 2,000 attendees committed to adopting healthier lifestyles, maintaining cleaner surroundings and promoting environmental responsibility within their communities.
Organisers said the event was designed to encourage participation across different sections of society. Senior citizens, specially-abled participants, students, defence personnel and wellness advocates took part in the yoga session together.
The programme emphasised yoga's role as an inclusive practice that can be adopted by people regardless of age, background or physical ability. Participants performed a series of guided yoga exercises and breathing techniques aimed at promoting physical fitness, mental well-being and stress management.
The event concluded with a call for continued community engagement in both personal wellness initiatives and environmental conservation efforts, reflecting the broader themes observed during this year's International Day of Yoga celebrations across the country.
