Imagine a yoga class unlike any other. Soft light fills the room as you flow through poses, but you’re not alone. Playful puppies frolic around, their curious noses nudging and tiny tails wagging.

This heartwarming interaction is more than just a unique yoga experience — it embodies Pawga’s deeper purpose of merging wellness with animal welfare. By creating a space where humans and animals connect, they not only promote mental and physical well-being but also inspire education and action toward giving these animals the loving homes they deserve.

How it all began

In December 2020, three undergraduate friends — Subhashree Madhavan, Sinduja Krishnakumar, and Swathi Renugopal — embarked on a bold journey to redefine pet adoption in India.

“As pet lovers and frequent volunteers at animal shelters, we saw firsthand the countless stray puppies and kittens who lacked loving homes. We were determined to make a difference and offer these innocent creatures a better life,” shares Subhashree, the founder of Pawga.

Their eight-month research uncovered a unique idea. “We noticed that in some countries, people often did yoga with their pets for fun,” Subhashree explains. “We wanted to adapt the concept so that it becomes beneficial primarily for the pets.” Thus, Pawga (a blend of ‘Paws’ and ‘Yoga’) was born.

Their first workshop, held during the pandemic in Chennai, featured 12 participants and puppies from Blue Cross of India. Subhashree recalls, “I was thrilled to see everyone enjoy the session, both playing with the pets and learning yoga. It gave us the confidence to take this forward.”

What started as a small, experimental event has grown into a transformative initiative promoting adoption and animal welfare. Over the past four years, the organisation has been successful in conducting various workshops and activities with pets in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, and Bengaluru, and has been able to find a home for over 130 stray animals.

Championing Indian mongrels

At its heart, Pawga seeks to create a society where every animal is valued and cared for. A key focus is facilitating animal welfare along with the adoption of pets that the participants perform yoga with. The shelters provide them with

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