From 80-plus yoga women and little people to wheelchair athletes, and amputees, the marathon becomes a powerful display of grit, equality amidst the city’s unbreakable spirit
Members of the Little People India Foundation participate in the 6 km run at the Mumbai Marathon, highlighting inclusion and challenging perceptions about physical differences. Pics/By Special Arrangement
The Mumbai Marathon on Sunday was not just a celebration of fitness but a powerful showcase of inclusivity, determination and human spirit, as participants from diverse backgrounds proved that endurance goes far beyond physical ability.
Among the standout groups was the Dahisar-based Sankalp Yoga Kendra, whose members have been practising yoga together for over 12 years at Pandit Deendayal Garden. More than 100 participants from the group completed the 6 km run, sending out a message that yoga remains a lifelong path to fitness.
Ramesh Shukla (left) lost both legs in a train accident in 2019, while Angelo Frances had a similar accident in 2012
“We formed this group only for people’s health,” said Sudhakar Nalawade, one of the founders. “Every year, we run this marathon to spread the message that yoga is the solution for everything. It keeps you fit and fine.”
At Matunga’s Damale Yoga Kendra, around 10 women aged above 80 years completed the 10 km run. The group has been practising yoga together for the past 17 years.
“We want to live fit and fine till the end of our lives,” the women told mid-day. “At the age of 80 and 90, we are healthy because of yoga. We want people to practise yoga every day. Yoga is the only solution.”
Specially abled participants from Tamil Nadu, brought in by NGO Amar Seva Sangam, covered 1.5 km on wheelchairs
Adding to the spirit of inclusion were nearly 20 members from the Little People India Foundation, who ran 6 km. National awardee Disha Pandya said the aim was to challenge perceptions about physical appearance.
“Our height may be small, but our dreams are big,” she said. “We want to prove that we are no different from others. Since forming the group in 2019, we now have 450 members. Many are engineers, government employees, actors and even IAS officers. This is the seventh time we are running the marathon.”
From Tamil Nadu, around 40 specially-abled participants took part in the event, covering 1.5 km on wheelchairs. They were brought to Mumbai for the event by the NGO Amar Seva Sangam, which has been participating in the marathon for the past 16 years.
“These individuals deserve equality,” said Kalaimani from the NGO. “We provide education and employment opportunities for children and adults with disabilities.” India’s wheelchair basketball players also made a strong presence, with nearly 60 athletes participating in the 1.5 km wheelchair run.
Members of Dahisar-based Sankalp Yoga Kendra take part in the 6 km run; the group has been practising yoga together for over 12 years
Team India captain Geeta Chouhan said the run was about visibility and acceptance. “Many people lose their legs or hands, but they are not alone. Sports gives them confidence and identity.”
Yoga therapist Alpa Paresh Vira, who trains the players, added, “I help them learn wheelchair movement and basketball skills. My goal is for them to receive the respect and equality they deserve.”
Among the most inspiring participants was Ramesh Shukla, who lost both his legs in a train accident at Thakurli railway station in 2019. Now fitted with hydraulic above-knee prosthetic legs, Shukla completed the 6 km run.
“I lost my legs, but not my will to live,” he said. “I completed my graduation and now motivate others who met with similar accidents. Life does not end here. It can always be restarted.”
He was joined by Angelo Frances, who lost both legs in a train accident at Kurla station in 2012, reinforcing the marathon’s message that resilience has no limits.
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