A daily dose of yoga to aid recovery of paediatric cancer survivors at Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai
's paediatric wing transform into a serene zone. Tens of paediatric cancer survivors gather in the play area, yoga mats are unfurled, and their tiny hands stretch skyward.
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For these children — many who travelled hundreds of kilometres for lifesaving treatment — a one-hour yoga session has become the highlight of their day.
Since April, the Parel-based cancer hub's IMPaCCT Foundation has partnered with Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute to offer these sessions free of charge.
The Yoga Institute's central coordinator Dileep Dauneria said that the programme is "not just a yoga class, but a scientifically grounded support system".
In recent years, studies have mapped the benefits of complementary therapies, especially mind-body therapies such as yoga, meditation, tai chi, and art therapies, for cancer patients; there has been a noticeable drop in the common cancer-related side effects such as nausea, pain, fatigue, anxiety and depression among these patients. A study by Dr Ram P Agarwal and Dr Adi Maroko of the University of Miami's Division of Oncology highlights how mind-body therapies reduced stress hormones and bolstered immune response in cancer patients — findings that reinforce Tata Memorial Hospital's initiative.
Tata Memorial Hospital itself conducted one the largest studies on the effects of yoga on cancer patients in 2017. The research, led by former director Dr Rajendra Badwe, found that a 45-minute yoga session for two to three years vastly improved the quality of life for breast cancer patients and reduced fatigue and deaths by 15%.
For Shalini Jatia, officer-in-charge of Tata Memorial Hospital's paediatric foundation since its inception in 2008, the impetus of starting daily yoga sessions for children was clear: to provide holistic cancer treatment.
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"For children battling cancer, yoga is more than just movement — it is a gentle tool that nurtures resilience, restores emotional balance, and supports recovery. This aligns with ImPaCCT Foundation's mission to provide comprehensive, compassionate care that goes beyond medical treatment," she said.
IMPaCCT helps paediatric patients and their families with transportation, accommodation, nutrition as well as education and creative therapies.
Pranita Das shared that six-year-old daughter looks forward to dancing and does well, according to her instructors. Pravina Fernando said her seven-year-old daughter eagerly anticipated each session.
The carefully structured routines — developed for ages zero to 15 — show promise. Plans are underway to extend yoga to admitted paediatric patients, adapting sessions to ward playrooms after the morning rounds are over. "Our dream," said Jatia, "is that every child leaves Tata Memorial Hospital not only cancer-free but with memories of joy, empowerment, and a lifelong tool for wellness."
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