Mumbai, June 19: In a magnificent celebration of India’s timeless yogic heritage and the power of youth, the iconic Gateway of India witnessed history in the making as over 1,000 students, young professionals and wellness enthusiasts came together for “Yoga with Youth 2026”, the Third Official Countdown Event to the International Day of Yoga 2026.
Organised by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, in collaboration with the Heartfulness Institute and the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), the event transformed one of the nation’s most treasured landmarks into a vibrant centre of wellness, spirituality and collective consciousness.
Held under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing the event reflected the spirit of a young India embracing wellness, Heartfulness meditation and purposeful living while advancing the vision of a healthier and stronger nation.
The historic gathering was graced by Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Hon’ble Minister of State Ministry of AYUSH and Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, who emphasised the transformative role of Yoga in realising the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, envisioned by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji. He highlighted that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi, Yoga has evolved into a global movement that has united humanity through the universal values of health, harmony and inner well-being.
One of the most captivating and spiritually uplifting moments of the event was the powerful Shankhnaad session led by renowned actor, martial artist and Yoga practitioner Shri Vidyut Jammwal. With great reverence and energy, Shri Jammwal performed the sacred blowing of the conch, followed by a mesmerising Shankhnaad Sangam, whose resonant vibrations echoed across the historic Gateway of India. The divine sound created an atmosphere of positivity, strength and collective consciousness, symbolising the awakening of inner energy and India’s timeless spiritual traditions.
The occasion was further dignified by the gracious presence of Dr. Raman Ghungralekar, Director, AYUSH, Maharashtra State, Shri Subodh Tiwari, CEO and Hon’ble Secretary, Kaivalyadhama; Shri Sanjay Bhatia, Former IAS Officer and Former Up Lokayukta, Government of Maharashtra, Dr. Nivedita Shreyans, Director – Youth Programs, Heartfulness Institute, Shri Mukesh Patel, Zonal Coordinator, Mumbai Zone; Mrs. Anjali Bapat, Regional Facilitator, Maharashtra and Ms. Ayonika Paul, Olympian and Commonwealth Games Silver Medallist.
The celebrations commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by a soulful Ganesh Vandana, creating an atmosphere of devotion and positivity. More than 1,000 youth from various colleges and institutions in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai enthusiastically participated in the Common Yoga Protocol session, embracing the spirit of wellness and unity.
Welcoming the distinguished gathering, Dr Nivedita Shreyans, Director – Youth Programs, Heartfulness Institute, highlighted the significance of empowering young minds through Yoga, meditation and holistic wellness. The participants also experienced a deeply transformative Heartfulness relaxation and meditation session conducted by Team Heartfulness, reflecting the organisation’s commitment towards inner well-being and human transformation.
The event stood as a testimony to the visionary leadership of Param Pujya Daaji, Shri Kamlesh D. Patel – Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission whose teachings and guidance have inspired millions of people across more than 160 countries. Supported by over 16,000 trainers and volunteers worldwide, the Heartfulness movement continues to spread the message of meditation, peace and conscious living through free training in Raja Yoga and Heartfulness practices.
Revered Daaji – Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission said,
“Yoga is much more than physical well-being; it is a journey toward inner harmony and union with the higher Self. When yoga is supported by meditation, we move from the mind’s complexity to the heart’s simplicity. The enthusiastic participation of young people today is heartening, as it shows a growing aspiration to make wellness, inner balance and purposeful living part of daily life.”
Dignitaries and participants alike applauded the tireless efforts of the entire Team Heartfulness Mumbai, whose dedication, spirit of service and meticulous planning transformed the event into a truly memorable and inspiring celebration.
As India prepares to celebrate the International Day of Yoga on 21 June 2026 in the august presence of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, Mumbai’s hosting of Yoga with Youth 2026 will be remembered as a landmark chapter in the nation’s wellness movement.
More than an event, Yoga with Youth 2026 emerged as a movement of hope, harmony and holistic well-being, where over a thousand young hearts breathed together, meditated together and stood united in the shared aspiration of building a healthier, happier and stronger India.
Against the backdrop of the rising sun and the majestic Gateway of India, the event beautifully showcased the spirit of New India, rooted in its ancient wisdom, inspired by its youth and marching confidently towards the dream of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Yoga with Youth 2026, where Young India Breathed as One and History Found Its Soul.
The level of participation today testifies to the growing awareness among people in adopting yoga. Yoga is the unity of mind, body and soul. When this is intertwined with meditation, it takes the inner integrity to the next level. It brings you closer to the Divine. India is the birthplace of yoga, and today we are a beacon of holistic wellness worldwide. The adoption of International Yoga Day by the United Nations was on the proposal of our Prime Minister. Ever since, it has been changing lives. At Heartfulness, we are doing our bit in promoting yoga as part of life.