NE HEALTH BUREAU
MUMBAI, JUNE 22
In a remarkable demonstration of yoga’s growing role in public health and preventive wellness, The Yoga Institute (TYI), Santacruz, Mumbai—the world’s oldest organised yoga centre—celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga by mobilising lakhs of participants through hundreds of programmes conducted across India and beyond.
Anchored around this year’s global theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” the celebrations transcended geographical, professional and generational boundaries, reaching government institutions, defence establishments, educational campuses, corporate offices, airports and digital audiences worldwide.
For over 107 years, The Yoga Institute has championed authentic yoga education, and this year’s observance further reinforced its mission of promoting resilience, preventive healthcare, mindful living and lifelong wellness.
From Mumbai to Chennai, Jaipur to Bhubaneswar, participants experienced yoga not merely as an exercise regimen but as a comprehensive lifestyle practice capable of enhancing physical vitality, emotional balance and mental clarity throughout life.
Reflecting on the significance of healthy ageing, Dr. Hansaji Yogendra said:
“Ageing is a natural process, but decline is not. Through yoga, we can maintain strength in the body, clarity in the mind, balance in the emotions, and joy in the heart. Healthy ageing is not about adding years to life alone; it is about adding vitality, independence, and purpose to every year of life.”
One of the major highlights was a three-day online yoga festival from June 19 to 21, which attracted participants from across the globe. The virtual event featured insightful sessions by ISKCON monk Gauranga Das, nutrition expert Ryan Fernando, holistic wellness mentor Mickey Mehta and senior Yoga Institute faculty members. Discussions centred on practical approaches to healthy ageing through meditation, nutrition, stress management and sound healing.
Mumbai’s Bandra Reclamation witnessed a massive community yoga gathering led by Dr. Hansaji Yogendra. The event brought together thousands of participants and was attended by Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Ashish Shelar and wellness advocate Terence Lewis, underscoring yoga’s growing influence in mainstream health and lifestyle conversations.
Another landmark event unfolded at Marine Drive, where the iconic “Yoga by the Bay” sunrise session drew thousands of fitness enthusiasts and wellness seekers. Organised in collaboration with The Times of India, Shaina NC and Mickey Mehta, the programme was attended by Union Ministers Anupriya Patel, Jitin Prasada and Jayant Chaudhary, reflecting a broader national commitment towards public wellness.
The Yoga Institute also expanded its outreach through focused programmes across strategic sectors.
Special sessions were conducted at Maharashtra Mantralaya, CCRYN, Mumbai International Airport terminals, CISF establishments, the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force, helping personnel strengthen both mental preparedness and physical well-being.
Educational institutions including Mithibai College, NMIMS, Chetana College, Thakur College and numerous BMC schools hosted yoga sessions aimed at introducing young minds to self-awareness, emotional intelligence and healthy living.
Corporate wellness programmes reached employees of ONGC, SBI, Bank of Baroda, Mazagon Dock, Tata Care and Macleods Pharmaceuticals, demonstrating the increasing adoption of yoga as a workplace wellness tool.
The Institute also deepened community engagement through programmes conducted at the General Post Office, Mahim, Mumbai Central and Vile Parle post offices, besides collaborative initiatives with the Chandok Group across Borivali, Andheri and Chembur.
Having impacted more than 10 crore lives, trained over 100,000 certified yoga teachers, published over a thousand books and built a digital wellness community exceeding 10 million individuals globally, The Yoga Institute continues to remain a transformative force in making authentic yoga accessible to people from every walk of life.
Its contribution to the field has been nationally recognised through the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Yoga, affirming its enduring legacy in advancing holistic health and human well-being.
