Amruta Fadnavis Leads International Yoga Day Celebrations at Divyaj Foundation in Mumbai

On June 21, 2025, the Dome SVP Stadium in Worli, Mumbai, transformed into a vibrant hub of wellness and empowerment as Amruta Devendra Fadnavis, in collaboration with the Divyaj Foundation, led a grand International Yoga Day celebration. The event, which drew over 1,000 participants, including marginalized women such as BMC sweepers, hospital staff, transgender citizens, and vocational trainees, was a powerful testament to the unifying and transformative potential of yoga. With the theme of healing and resilience, the day-long program went beyond traditional yoga practices, incorporating meditation, emotional wellness workshops, and financial literacy modules to equip attendees with essential life skills.

A Celebration of Unity and Empowerment

Amruta Fadnavis, a social activist, banker, and the wife of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, spearheaded the event with a vision to foster inclusivity and holistic well-being. In her address, she emphasized the profound connection yoga creates, stating, “When we hold hands in prayer, in yoga, in solidarity—we rise not as individuals but as one resilient India.” Her words resonated deeply, particularly in light of the recent Pahalgam tragedy, as she paid tribute to the martyrs, noting, “Our mats became prayer grounds, our hands bridges of strength.”

The event was graced by Bollywood actors Arjun Kapoor and Nushrratt Bharuccha, whose presence added a touch of glamour while amplifying the message of empathy and empowerment. Kapoor, reflecting on the initiative, shared, “Yoga connects us not just with our breath, but with each other. I was proud to support an initiative that honored the strength of women who quietly carry our world.” Bharuccha echoed this sentiment, adding, “Empowerment begins with empathy; it was moving to witness so many women unite in grace and resilience.” Their participation underscored the growing intersection of entertainment and wellness advocacy, inspiring attendees and drawing widespread attention to the cause.

A Holistic Approach to Wellness

The celebration kicked off with a soulful Ganesh Vandana performed by children from Mitti Ke Sitare, a Divyaj Foundation initiative that nurtures musical talent among underprivileged youth. This heartfelt performance set a serene tone for the day, followed by a yoga session led by renowned holistic health guru Dr. Mickey Mehta. Dr. Mehta, whose expertise in mindfulness and wellness is widely respected, described yoga as more than physical exercise, stating, “Yoga isn’t just a workout—it’s a work-in. And when done with seva, it becomes magic.” His session guided participants through asanas, breathing exercises, and meditation, fostering a sense of inner peace and physical vitality.

Beyond yoga, the event featured workshops on patriotism, health and hygiene, emotional wellness, and financial literacy. These modules were designed to empower participants with practical tools to navigate life’s challenges. For many of the marginalized women in attendance, these sessions offered not only knowledge but also a renewed sense of confidence and agency. Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, who was present at the event, praised the initiative, calling it “a beautiful reminder that wellness is a right, not a luxury.”

Divyaj Foundation’s Ongoing Commitment

The International Yoga Day event is one of many impactful initiatives led by the Divyaj Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by Amruta Fadnavis. The foundation is dedicated to uplifting marginalized communities through education, skill development, and cultural programs. From supporting acid attack survivors to nurturing young artists through Mitti Ke Sitare, the foundation’s work reflects a commitment to social change and empowerment.

This year’s Yoga Day celebration built on the foundation’s legacy of inclusive wellness programs. In 2024, a similar event at the NSCI Dome in Mumbai brought together over 1,000 children of deceased farmers and street children, featuring yoga, meditation, and motivational speeches. Amruta’s hands-on approach and passion for community upliftment were evident then, as she remarked, “Yoga teaches valuable life skills like discipline, focus, and perseverance—qualities essential for young minds.” The 2025 event expanded this vision, focusing on women’s empowerment and creating a space for healing and connection.

A Star-Studded Yet Grounded Affair

While the presence of celebrities like Arjun Kapoor and Nushrratt Bharuccha drew media attention, the event remained grounded in its mission. Kapoor, who has been vocal about his fitness journey, encouraged younger generations to embrace yoga, saying, “Change doesn’t happen overnight. Yoga is about finding balance and building consistency.” Despite an incident where Bharuccha was briefly mobbed by enthusiastic fans, her commitment to the cause shone through as she actively participated in the sessions.

The event also saw support from dignitaries like Mazhar Nadiadwala, Managing Director of Dome Entertainment, who lauded Amruta’s leadership, stating, “She is a woman of substance who empowers the world with her power of goodness.” The collaborative effort between the Divyaj Foundation, BMC, and private partners ensured the event’s success, creating a seamless experience for all participants.

A Global Movement Rooted in India

International Yoga Day, celebrated annually on June 21, is a global recognition of India’s ancient practice, which has become a universal symbol of health and harmony. The 2025 event in Mumbai highlighted yoga’s accessibility and inclusivity, as participants from diverse backgrounds came together to practice and learn. Arjun Kapoor aptly captured this sentiment, saying, “India should take pride in how yoga has become a global phenomenon. It’s one of the most significant gifts we’ve given the world.”

Amruta Fadnavis, through her leadership, reinforced yoga’s role as a way of life. In her words, “Yoga is not just exercise but a path to mental clarity and emotional resilience.” Her ability to blend wellness with social impact has made the Divyaj Foundation’s Yoga Day celebrations a model for community-driven initiatives.

Looking Ahead

The International Yoga Day 2025 celebration at Dome SVP Stadium was more than a one-day event—it was a movement that inspired, educated, and uplifted. Under Amruta Fadnavis’s visionary leadership, the Divyaj Foundation continues to set a benchmark for how wellness and empowerment can go hand in hand. As the event concluded, participants left with not only a sense of physical rejuvenation but also a renewed commitment to personal and collective growth.

With its focus on marginalized communities, the Divyaj Foundation’s work serves as a reminder that true empowerment begins with inclusion. As Amruta Fadnavis and her team look to the future, their efforts will undoubtedly continue to transform lives, one yoga mat at a time.