Mumbai Chapter’s First Alumni Meet
Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute in Mumbai conducted a yoga workshop “Joy with Asanas” on Sunday, 22nd February 2026, exclusively for the alumni. The session was led by Shri Uday Pendse ji, a distinguished professor from the Pune branch of Kaivalyadhama.
This workshop marked the inaugural session hosted by the Mumbai Alumni Association, setting a promising tone for future initiatives. Designed to deepen participants’ understanding of yogic practices, the workshop was thoughtfully structured into two segments—one focusing on theoretical foundations and the other on experiential learning.
The session commenced with the practice of foundational asanas such as Halasana, Matsyasana, and Yoga Mudra. However, the emphasis extended far beyond physical execution. Udayji eloquently highlighted that asanas are not merely bodily exercises but pathways to achieving “Sthira Sukham Asanam”—a state of steadiness and comfort, as described in classical yogic texts.
A key aspect of the workshop was cultivating awareness. Participants were guided to focus their attention on specific regions of the body where the breath manifests during the practice of each asana. Through this, they were encouraged to develop a deeper internal connection and sensitivity, transforming their practice into a mindful and meditative experience.
In addition, Udayji shed light on the deeper impact of certain asanas such as Matsyasana and Yoga Mudra, explaining how their consistent and mindful practice can positively influence emotional balance and, in turn, help in managing personal relationships more effectively.
Special attention was given to the technical nuances of postures, particularly Matsyasana, where the correct use of elbow support was explained as a crucial element in achieving stability and alignment.
The second half of the workshop translated theory into practice through an interactive and observational approach. Participants were divided into two groups—one performing the asanas while the other observed the breathing patterns of their peers. This unique method shifted the focus from perfecting the posture to understanding the subtle physiological and respiratory responses within the body. The exercise also brought attention to commonly overlooked areas of observation, enriching the participants’ learning experience.
The session was met with enthusiastic appreciation from all attendees, who found the approach both insightful and transformative.
Overall, “Joy with Asanas” proved to be a meaningful and enriching initiative, and was met with enthusiastic appreciation from all attendees, who found the approach both insightful and transformative. With such a successful beginning, the Mumbai Alumni team looks forward to organizing many more such sessions in the future.
A The emphasis extended well beyond physical execution. The practice as Pendseji presented it was something you did with your nervous system, not just your spine.
The session was well-attended and, by all reports, well-received. The Mumbai Alumni team plans to continue with regular sessions. If you are in Mumbai and would like to be on the list, write to them – mumbai1.ambassador@kdham.com, mumbai2.ambassador@kdham.com or mumbai3.ambassador@kdham.com
~ By Masoom Parekh