The inaugural edition of Joy Avenue, a unique initiative by SRMD Youthwing with support from Lodha Foundation, BMC, Mumbai Police, and BEST, to transform Shrimad Rajchandraji Marg near the Royal Opera House into a vibrant community space every month, was held on Sunday, September 22nd. Hundreds of people of all ages gathered here in the morning to enjoy a diverse range of activities, seeking respite from the daily hustle and taking time to create moments of joy through cherishing art, music, wellness, sports, culture and compassion. Present at the inaugural ceremony of the initiative were, Pujya Gurudev Rakeshji, Founder Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation - Govt of Maharashtra, Vivek Phansalkar, Commissioner of Police, Mumbai, Bhushan Gagrani, Municipal Commissioner - Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and Dr. Ashwini Joshi, Additional Municipal Commissioner (City)- Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.
Different sports like pickleball, skateboarding, kickboxing, box cricket, board games etc. were organized here for the sport lovers. Various wellness activities like rhythmic and chair yoga, boxing and cardio workshops, tea meditation, self defence workshops for women etc. were also held. Workshops on Salsa, Garba, Zumba and African dance styles were conducted for those wanting to express themselves through movement. Citizens also indulged in mandala art, pottery, tattoo art, photo booths, food stalls, and live music performances.
Beyond recreation, Joy Avenue aimed to foster a compassionate community, support homegrown initiatives and celebrate Mumbai's diverse culture. A dedicated "Compassion Zone" allowed NGOs to showcase their activities and rally supporters. Stalls like Power of One collection, a petting zone with Furry Friends, shoe making etc. were set up here. Self-help organisations showcased their products, like exquisite terracotta jewellery prepared by the women of Mahalakshmi Mouli Mahila Bachat Gat.
The event also honored unsung heroes of Mumbai, including Dattatraya Sawant - Runs Autorickshaw and also is a Teacher, Rohan More - Senior Station Officer and Nana Chowk Fire Station-In-Charge, Nilesh Palwade, Fireman, Nana Chowk Fire Station, Virendra J. Vadwana - honorary Traffic Warden, Lahanu Gopala Nagare - Bus Conductor at BEST, Anant Yenpure
Head Constable, D B Marg police station (Lamington road).
At the inauguration ceremony of Joy Avenue organised by SRMD Youthwing, Atmarpit Nemiji, Vice President of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur shared, “I am overwhelmed by the joyful and thrilling atmosphere at 'Joy Avenue.' Pujya GurudevRakeshji has always told us that happiness does not come from getting the best of everything, but from making the best of what we have. Happiness is a perspective, and events like 'Joy Avenue' help us nurture that outlook. The time to be happy is at this very moment, right now, and today."
On this occasion Vivek Phansalkar, Commissioner of Police, Mumbai expressed, “In this modern age where the youth are glued to their screens, it is refreshing to see such an event which encourages mental and physical wellness. Pujya Gurudevpromotes Satsang, Sports and Seva to lead the youth towards a higher purpose. I implore everyone to take up a sport as promoted by Joy Avenue.” He added. “This street is aptly named after Shrimad Rajchandraji, by walking on whose path (marg) we can attain true happiness.”
Bhushan Gagrani, Municipal Commissioner, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation on speaking about this event said, “SRMD has been at the forefront of displaying compassion and selfless service, spreading this spirit across the world. The Joy Avenue initiative is an extension of that noble endeavor. I urge everyone here to carry the message of joy from this event and make the world a more joyful place. I congratulate the SRMD YouthWing for this remarkable initiative and for utilizing this public space so effectively. The BMC is proud to be associated with SRMD on its various initiatives, and we are eager to support similar efforts across the city in the future."
A testament to the power of community, ‘Joy Avenue’ aims to transform ‘Shrimad Rajchandraji Marg’, into an experiential space for citizens, on one Sunday, every month. The initiative has also helped this space regain its former charm and create a sanctuary equipped with amenities for locals - elders and kids alike, to regularly visit here for walks, recreation and sporting activities.