As the late afternoon sun cast a warm golden glow across the James Ronald Webster Park on Saturday, 4th July, 2026, yoga mats gradually covered the court, laughter drifted through the air and people from different backgrounds gathered with one shared purpose — to pause, breathe and simply take care of themselves.
Hosted by the High Commission of India in Georgetown, Guyana, which is concurrently accredited to Anguilla, the local observance of the 12th International Day of Yoga transformed the park into a peaceful outdoor studio, where beginners and experienced participants alike embraced an evening of movement, mindfulness and connection.
Although the 12th International Day of Yoga was officially observed worldwide on Sunday, 21st June, 2026, Anguilla marked the occasion with its own community celebration centred on this year’s global theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”
Before the stretching began, Second Secretary of the High Commission of India, Anita Nagpal, welcomed participants and thanked the Government of Anguilla for supporting the event.
“The benefits of yoga are immensely followed all over the world, and our Indian missions, embassies and High Commissions celebrate this special day across the globe,” she said, while expressing appreciation to Deputy Governor Perin Bradley and Hon. Minister of Health, Sports and Tourism Cardigan Connor for joining the celebration.
The theme of healthy ageing was echoed throughout the evening. Addressing participants, Deputy Governor Bradley reminded those gathered that wellness is measured not simply by how long people live, but by the quality of those years.
“Good health is about much more than living longer. It is about living well. It is about maintaining our physical strength, mental well-being and sense of purpose through every stage of life,” he said.
He reflected on the demands of modern life, noting that people often neglect their own wellbeing while juggling daily responsibilities.
“Yoga offers a timely reminder to slow down, breathe and reconnect with ourselves. It teaches us that caring for our bodies and our minds are equally important.”
Describing yoga as “a gift to the world”, Bradley said the ancient Indian practice continues to transcend cultures, languages and religions by bringing people together through balance, mindfulness and inner peace — values he said resonate strongly in Anguilla and strengthen communities.
The celebration also highlighted the growing relationship between India and Anguilla, with Bradley expressing optimism about continued cooperation in health, education and cultural exchange.
Minister Connor brought a personal perspective to the evening, recalling his own experience with yoga during his professional cricket career in England.
“As a fast bowler you really need flexibility,” he told participants. “When you watch anyone do yoga, you think that they understand the range of motion.”
What surprised him most, however, was that yoga was about far more than stretching.
“It wasn’t just about the stretching, but how you use the breath,” he said.
Connor encouraged participants not to compare themselves with others during the session but instead to work within their own abilities, describing yoga as one of the healthiest practices people can incorporate into their daily lives because it places individuals in control of their own wellbeing.
Following the opening remarks, instructor Tania Jones guided participants through a series of gentle movements that reflected the evening’s focus on health at every stage of life. Slow breathing exercises set the tone before the group eased into carefully paced stretches designed to improve flexibility, posture and balance.
Participants moved through standing poses that strengthened the legs and core, forward bends that encouraged the body to lengthen and release tension, seated stretches that loosened the hips and lower back, and balancing poses that required concentration as much as physical control. The session ended with calming breathing techniques and quiet relaxation as the sun set lower over the park.
There was no pressure to perform perfectly. Instead, participants listened to their bodies, smiled through the challenging moments and, quite often, laughed at themselves as they tried unfamiliar positions. Those shared moments quickly dissolved any self-consciousness, replacing it with an easy sense of camaraderie.
The atmosphere was as restorative as the exercises themselves. Friends encouraged one another, newcomers found confidence alongside more experienced practitioners, and people of different ages, cultures and walks of life discovered common ground through a practice built on patience rather than competition.
Closing the event, Nagpal thanked everyone who attended, noting that the celebration would not have been complete without the community’s support.
She also expressed appreciation to the Government of Anguilla for its assistance in coordinating the event and gave special recognition to Umesh Chhatlani for his dedication in helping to organise the celebration.
As participants rolled up their mats and headed home, they left with a reminder that sometimes the simplest acts — taking a deep breath, slowing down for an hour and moving with intention — can make a meaningful difference to everyday life.
By Janissa Fleming
