The walkathon was organised to mark the upcoming celebrations of Global Forgiveness Day, which is observed every year on August 2, the birth anniversary of spiritual guru Dada J.P. Vaswani.

In Pune, it was held at 6.30 AM through the green lanes of Koregaon Park. The walk, spanning over 3 km, began and concluded at the Sadhu Vaswani Institute of Management Studies (SVIMS). All the proceeds from the registrations will go towards free pediatric heart surgeries for underprivileged children — an initiative aligned with the Mission’s humanitarian work.

Heavy rains in the dawn did not dampen the spirit of Punekars, as over 800 participants showed up with unwavering spirit to participate in the walk. In what felt nothing short of a miracle, the rain eased almost entirely during the duration of the walk.

Participant, Dilip Gopwani, “It was remarkable how the rains paused just in time. Sometimes, when you’re doing something meaningful, everything aligns. When you are on the right path, the universe conspires to help you.”

Families, students, senior citizens, fitness enthusiasts, and corporates from organizations such as Sagitec Corp., JetSynthesis, Symbiosis College, Inner Wheel, RSS, and Rotary Club — were all united by a shared message of ‘letting go.’

Didi Krishna Kumari, Head of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission, formally inaugurated the walk by sharing her wisdom with all present. To help participants experience the walk as an inner journey, she conducted a brief activity demonstrating the impact of holding onto grudges. This was followed by a short forgiveness meditation, allowing everyone to begin the walk with calm and open hearts. “Suppression, expression, and holding on create havoc within us,” she shared. “Identifying what must be released—and letting it go—is the key to inner peace.” With these words, Didi Krishna Kumari lit the torch and flagged off the walkathon. She then led the participants by walking the entire route herself, setting a powerful example of presence and purpose.

The highlight of the event was the “Let-it-go” experience — a reflective activity where participants were invited to write down emotional burdens they wished to release and place them into a dedicated ‘Let-it-go’ box. Placed at the endpoint of the Walkathon, the box was the ‘finish line’. The first note in the ‘Let-it-Go’ box was dropped in by Didi Krishna herself, motivating all to let go of their negative emotions.

“The idea of putting my thoughts into the ‘Let-it-go’ box made me forgive. Forgiveness, I once believed, was impossible, but I know better now,” said a foreign attendee.

The 3 km route had 8 themed experiential zones — Drop Zone, Let Go Lane, The Chill Stop, Vibe Checkpoint, No Baggage Bend, Reset Route, The Shift Stop, and Unload Station.

Each walker was given a sheet of 12 emotion stickers (anger, anxiety, guilt, fear, etc.) At every stop, they were invited to let go of an emotion they were carrying, place the corresponding sticker on a designated board, and blow soap bubbles as a symbolic release.

Ashish, a young participant, noted the uniqueness of the initiative. “It’s the first walk I’ve seen where emotional wellness was at the core — the interactivity, the stickers, the symbolism — it all worked wonders.”

Participants received Walkathon T-shirts, raincoats, and were served a wholesome breakfast at the end of the walk.

Dada Vaswani emphasised that “Hearts at peace will create world peace”. August 2nd, his birthday, is celebrated as Global Forgiveness Day, with 2 PM observed as the Moment of Calm where people worldwide pause for 2 minutes — to forgive, be forgiven, and send out vibrations of peace.

Post-walk, the muddy grounds were swiftly cleaned thanks to Adar Poonawalla Clean City Initiative (APCCI).

Sadhu Vaswani Mission is a non-profit organization with over 60 centers worldwide, dedicated to serving local communities. Its key areas of work include education, healthcare, skill development, limbs for the limbless, disaster relief, and women’s welfare, among others.

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Registrations for the Skechers Mumbai Walkathon 2024 are now open! Participants can register until 8th November 2024 via the official link: www.skecherswalkathon.in. This year, Skechers will continue its collaboration with the GoSports Foundation, pledging a part of its registration fee proceeds to support Indian athletes through the foundation’s Long-Term Athlete Development Programme. The event is expected to build on the success of previous editions like last year’s Walkathon which saw over 8,000 participants—highlighting the event’s importance as a cornerstone for fitness enthusiasts nationwide. The Walkathon will continue Skechers’ tradition of promoting fitness by encouraging the next generation of Indian athletes, promoting an active lifestyle, and contributing to India’s growing sports culture.

Rahul Vira, CEO of Skechers South Asia Pvt. Ltd., said, “Last year’s Walkathon demonstrated the remarkable impact Skechers can have on promoting an active lifestyle and supporting young athletes, as we saw significant community engagement and substantial contributions towards the development of India’s future sports stars. The Skechers Mumbai Walkathon has evolved into a highly anticipated fitness event in the city. This year, our collaboration with GoSports Foundation will aim to bring the city together in a festive atmosphere, promoting fitness as a culture in Mumbai.”

Deepthi Bopaiah, CEO of GoSports Foundation, commented, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Skechers. Their support has been instrumental to the overall success of the GoSports Long-Term Athlete Development Programme (GLTADP). The CSR funds from Skechers have supported the athletes across 10 sports and facilitated various aspects of the program, including athlete development initiatives, competition support, and overall program enhancements. Additionally, their contributions have enabled specific interventions across our organization. This year’s Walkathon donation will ensure our athletes receive sustained support at multiple sports platforms.”

Together, Skechers India and GoSports Foundation aim to support Indian sports and wellness programs in an impactful way. Skechers’ involvement has enabled broad-based athlete support—including facilitating participation in international competitions, providing necessary training equipment, and supporting mental and physical well-being initiatives for athletes. This has also led to the program’s athletes achieving milestones in national and world championships.

This year, the 5^th edition of Walkathon will feature multiple walking categories, including a 10 km walk for avid walkers, a 5 km walk for those aspiring to take up walking as a sport, and a 3 km fun walk. These categories cater to participants of various fitness levels, offering a delightful and invigorating walking experience around the scenic route of InOrbit Mall, Malad.

To register or learn more about Skechers Mumbai Walkathon, visit https://www.skecherswalkathon.in.

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PUNE: On the occasion of National Vascular Day, a walkathon was organized in Pune by the Vascular Society of India (VSI) to focus on the critical issues of amputation prevention and vascular health awareness. Vascular Society of India’s Walkathon saw enthusiastic participation from over 200 residents, who gathered at the VC office of Savitribai Phule Pune University to join the cause. The event was a part of the national walkathon which brought together over 15,000 participants across 30 cities including Pune. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1 million limb amputations occur globally each year, with a significant portion being preventable through early intervention and proper management of risk factors. In India, around 40-50% of all amputations are due to complications from vascular diseases, particularly diabetes. This highlights the critical need for increased awareness and preventive measures to manage risk factors like high blood sugar, hypertension, and high cholesterol. 

Flagging off the walkathon, Dr. Pranjal Sawant, Consultant Vascular Surgeon at KEM Hospital Pune said, “The majority of surgical amputations occur due to complications associated with vascular diseases and other conditions affecting blood circulation, such as diabetes and peripheral arterial disease (PAD). This walkathon was a powerful step towards our shared goal of an amputation-free world, increasing awareness about the severity of vascular diseases. We owe this success to the Vascular Society of India for their proactive role and exceptional support.”

Commenting on the initiative, Dr.Tapish Sahu, Secretary of the Vascular Society of India, stated, “Our objective is to enhance community health by establishing a comprehensive vascular healthcare framework, striving for an amputation-free India. The overwhelming response across the nation is very encouraging. It is inspiring to see so many people come together for such a vital cause. The walkathon not only highlights the importance of vascular health but also underscores the power of community in driving change.”

“Today’s event is a significant milestone in our mission to reduce preventable amputations in India,” said Dr. P C Gupta, President of the Vascular Society of India. “The nationwide participation demonstrates the growing commitment to vascular health and the power of collective action in driving meaningful change.”

Preventing vascular diseases requires a multifaceted approach that includes maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular physical activity, and routine medical check-ups. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, along with the avoidance of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, plays a crucial role in vascular health. Additionally, managing underlying lifestyle conditions through medication and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of vascular complications. Public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives are essential to inform people about these preventive measures and the importance of early detection and treatment of vascular conditions.

The Vascular Society of India, a prominent chapter of the World Federation of Vascular Societies, collaborates with an extensive network of medical specialists, surgeons, interventionalists, nurses, and allied health professionals, all dedicated to the cause of saving limbs and lives. With over 700 active members across the country, VSI stands as one of the largest and most influential chapters globally, consistently working towards mitigating preventable amputations and enhancing patient care in the vascular health domain.

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The walkathon was Flagged Off by Shashikant Borate, DCP, Traffic Police Pune, Rama Shankar Pandey, CEO of Tata Green Batteries, Dr.Reji Mathai, Director, ARAI,  Shyam Singh, Plant Head, Pune – Tata Motors The Passenger Vehicle The Ltd., The Prasanna Patwardhan, President, BOCI, Pratyush Khare, Tata Motors, Dr.Parag Kalkar, VC, Savitribai Phule Pune University & Rekha Magar, Chairperson-FICCI FLO, Pune Chapter.

The campaign “India Against Road Crash, season 2024”, has a threefold objective to increase awareness about road safety, encourage responsible driving behavior, and reduce the number of road accidents. The key to achieving these goals lies in the collaboration between law enforcement agencies, community organizations, Industries, and academic institutions.

The campaign is being supported by various organizations such as ACMA, ASDC, ARAI, AISSMS, ASC, AITWA, BOCI, FICCI_FLO, CIRT, Pune City Traffic, Pune Metro, NDRF, Ranjangaon Industries Association, SAE India & ASC. The campaign is being partnered with Tata Motors, Tata Autocomp, Tata Green Batteries, and Continental India. Additionally, volunteers from schools, colleges, runners, bikers and walkers groups joined the campaign to bring the change.

One of the highlights of the event was to inspire young Indians to click selfies with Safe Bikers club members and the Helmet Man of India. This campaign aims to promote safer road behavior by committing to self-discipline, respecting other road users, being a defensive driver, following road rules, and symbolizing the commitment through a “step donation”.

More than 1350 Volunteers were inducted as Road Safety Warriors and they will start Drive Safe clubs in their organizations before the next Road Safety Month 12 months from now. The campaign aims to channel these resources to bring a positive transformation in Pune City’s civic traffic sense.

“The most recent data on road accidents in India is concerning. With one person dying every four minutes and one accident occurring every minute, the situation is critical and cannot be ignored. It is crucial to understand that road safety is the responsibility of every individual. We need to involve the community in road safety initiatives by collaborating with schools, colleges, and local organizations to raise awareness. There are many reasons for road crashes but one definite immediate solution is, Let’s Be The Change (Jab Hum Badlenge Toh Desh Badlega) ” said Rama Shankar Pandey, Chairman, Aftermarket Committee, ACMA and Chairman, Road Safety, FICCI, and Chief Executive Officer,  Tata AutoComp GY Batteries Pvt. Ltd.

“While observing Nations having some of the safest roads, Self-enforcement remains a core principle of their success. It’s well established that following Road Rules saves lives. We will be safe with self-enforcement, our society and our country will be safe’, Said Shyam Singh, Plant Head, Pune – Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd.

“Road safety is an extremely important topic that affects all of us, whether we are pedestrians or drivers. Our actions on the road have a significant impact on our safety and the safety of others. We must prioritize safety over all other aspects and ensure a secure journey for everyone.” said  Dr. Reji Mathai, Director of ARAI.

Concerned citizens, civil society members, traffic police, and scores of road safety volunteers participated in this walkathon.

Club D2S – Drive Smart Drive Safe (D2S) is a Section 25 Company, an NGO that aims to educate people on road safety and reduce road accidents and deaths on Indian roads. We intend to reduce the occurrence of conditions that contribute to fatalities on roads like poor visibility, driver negligence and fatigue, negligence of safety norms, drunken driving, speeding, etc.

Through awareness rallies, safety campaigns, street plays, special events, and traditional and social media campaigns, we work towards raising awareness of road safety and connecting with citizens towards best practices in road travel.

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Over 400 residents of Ghaziabad, along with doctors from Manipal Hospital, actively participated in the walkathon, which started at 8 a.m. and culminated at the hospital. Dr. Bhavtosh Shankhdar, Chief Medical Officer (Ghaziabad), graced the event as the chief guest and emphasized the importance of heart health. Following the walkathon, participants also engaged in a CPR training session, pledging to learn this life-saving skill to help people in emergencies such as heart attacks and strokes.

Dr. Bhupendra Singh, Consultant Cardiologist at Manipal Hospital, Ghaziabad, said that “walking is an excellent means to enhance cardiovascular health. It promotes blood circulation, strengthens the heart, and mitigates heart disease risk factors. He also encouraged people to have CPR training to handle any medical emergencies. Through this initiative, the hospital aims to reduce the burden of heat-related fatalities.“

Addressing the participants, Dr. Bhavtosh Shankhdar, Chief Medical Officer, Ghaziabad, said, “It is important to prioritize heart health and adopt lifestyle changes such as regular morning walks, a balanced nutrition diet, and maintaining a healthy weight. This will help to improve overall well-being and a healthier heart. This walkathon is a great initiative by Manipal Hospital to inspire people and motivate them towards a healthy life and a healthy heart.”

According to data from the World Heart Federation, CVDs have become a leading cause of global mortality, increasing by 60% from 12.1 million in 1990 to 20.5 million in 2021. Raising awareness about CVDs is imperative, necessitating collaboration between governmental and private healthcare entities.

Manipal Hospitals is among the top healthcare providers in India, serving over 5 million patients annually. Its focus is to develop an affordable, high-quality healthcare framework through its multispecialty and tertiary care delivery spectrum and further extend it to out-of-hospital care. With the completion of the acquisition of AMRI Hospitals, the integrated network will have a pan-India footprint of 33 hospitals across 17 cities with 9,500 beds a talented pool of over 5,000 doctors, and an employee strength of over 20,000.

Manipal Hospitals provides comprehensive curative and preventive care for a multitude of patients from around the globe. It is NABH, and AAHRPP accredited, and most of the hospitals in its network are NABL, ER, and Blood Bank accredited, and recognized for Nursing Excellence. Manipal Hospitals has also been recognized as the most respected and patient-recommended hospital in India through various consumer surveys.

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Modern lifestyles, dominated by processed and unhealthy foods, coupled with sedentary habits, have led to an alarming surge in heart health issues such as high cholesterol and hypertension. Walking, a simple yet effective activity, emerges as the antidote. It enhances blood circulation, fortifies the cardiovascular system, and diminishes heart disease risk factors. Walkathons of this nature furnish an opportunity for individuals to engage in physical fitness, championing a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Addressing the participants of this event, Dr. Yugal Kishore Mishra, Chief of Clinical Services, Head Of Cardiac Sciences, And Chief Cardio cardiovascular surgeon, HCMCT Manipal Hospitals, Dwarka said, “Every year, we observe World Heart Day to highlight the significance of caring for our own as well as the hearts of others. The active participation of our neighborhood residents and doctors has only proved how starting our days with a walk and making small but simple changes can make a difference in our overall well-being and help us live better lives. This walkathon not only inspired people but also encouraged them to take steps towards better heart health and reducing the burden of heart disease in our community.“

According to data released by the World Heart Federation, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the main cause of death worldwide, having increased by 60% from 12.1 million in 1990 to 20.5 million in 2021. It is critical to raise awareness about this illness. Both the government and private healthcare providers have to come together to address this issue.

HCMCT Manipal Hospital is among the top healthcare providers in India serving over 5 million patients annually. Its focus is to develop an affordable, high-quality healthcare framework through its multispecialty and tertiary care delivery spectrum and further extend it to out-of-hospital care. With the completion of the acquisition of AMRI Hospitals, the integrated network will have a pan-India footprint of 33 hospitals across 17 cities with 9,500 beds, a talented pool of over 5,000 doctors, and an employee strength of over 20,000. Manipal Hospitals provides comprehensive curative and preventive care for a multitude of patients from around the globe. Manipal Hospitals is NABH, and AAHRPP accredited and most of the hospitals in its network are NABL, ER, and Blood Bank accredited and recognized for Nursing Excellence. Manipal Hospitals has also been recognized as the most respected and patient-recommended hospital in India through various consumer surveys.

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PUNE: Dada Laser Eye Institute (DLEI), a leading eye care facility in Pune, is taking a proactive step towards preventing Cataract blindness by launching a campaign to spread awareness of the serious repercussions of losing vision due to Cataracts.

A campaign to prevent blindness caused by cataracts starting from June 1st, 2023. DLEI aims to conduct free cataract testing for 10,000 citizens, valued at Rs 1,000/- per test, totaling a substantial contribution of 1 crore rupee.

In addition to the free eye check-up camp, Dada Laser Eye Institute has organized a “CATARACT-FREE PUNE Walkathon” on Sunday, June 4th, 2023. The Walkathon will commence at 7.30 am at Sadhu Vaswani statue on Sadhu Vaswani Road and will end at DADA LASER EYE INSTITUTE situated at Gulmohar Apartment, East Street, Camp, Pune 411001.

The event will be flagged off by the esteemed chief guest additional Police Commissioner of Pune

To participate in the “Cataract Walkathon,” and Free Cataract eye checkup, interested individuals can call DLEI official number 99 22 99 55 49.

Hurry and secure your spot in the Cataract Awareness walkathon, as only 100 people can participate!

Venue-Sadhu Vaswani statue on Sadhu Vaswani road
Date-Sunday, June 4th, 2023
Time- 7.30 AM
Contact-DLEI official number 99 22 99 55 49.

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