Bengaluru: The 13th edition of Samarthanam Bengaluru Walkathon 2017 supported by Allergan with the theme, “Green Mission Clear Vision” was held at Kittur Rani Chennamma Stadium in Bengaluru. The objective of Walkathon was to bring about a green change in people and their practices. Walkathon 2017 was to spread awareness on the importance of environment conservation and make each person realize the significance of a healthier environment.
Over 10,000 people that included corporate employees, NGOs, young and old, students, and the differently abled showed their support for the green change by joining the walk. The Walkathon was flagged off from the Kittur Rani Chennamma Stadium, Jayanagara. From the stadium the participants took the route of Jayanagar 4th Block, 3rd Block, South End Road and finally came back to the Stadium.
The event was flagged off by Shri Sridhar Ranganathan, Managing Director, Allergan, Shri KT Rajan, Director, Allergan India, Smt Swati Singh, Minister of State of Women Welfare, Family Welfare, Maternity and Child Welfare, Government of Uttar Pradesh in the presence of Mahantesh GK, Founder Managing Trustee of Samarthanam trust for the Disabled and Saalumarada Thimmakka, environmentalist. The launch was also presided by Guests of Honour, Vijaya Kumar, MLA Jayanagar, Nagaraju, BBMP Corporator Byrasandra Ward, Raj Rajkumar, Director, TE Connectivity, Manish R Asopa, Finance Director, Northern Operating Services, Mr. Rajagopalan Alwar, President, Time Inc and Smt Sowmya Reddy, Vice President, Indian Youth Congress, Bangalore city. Celebrity and also an inspiring personality, Saalumaraada Thimmakka, who is an environmentalist, was also present at the event.
Speaking after the Walkathon, Mahantesh GK, Founder Managing Trustee, Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, said “I am extremely delighted the way Walkathon 2017 has raised awareness on the green initiative. I would like to thank each and every sponsor, partner, media and participant for upholding this noble cause. We all need to join hands and work towards environment conservation and make the city as beautiful as it was. It is our duty to adopt green practices and inspire others to follow the same.”
Shri Sridhar Ranganathan, Managing Director, Allergan said, “We are glad to have associated with Samarthanam for Walkathon 2017 and on the green initiative. Building an eco-conscious culture and promoting the green vision is highly appreciative. And looking at the gathering today, it is obvious that we people are in favour of making a green city.”
Smt Swati Singh, Minister of State of Women Welfare, Family Welfare, Maternity and Child Welfare, Government of Uttar Pradesh appreciated the efforts laid by Samarthanam in striving for a green cause. She said, “Wellness of our environment is very crucial and is directly related to our wellness. Every individual should play their role in protecting environment and I appreciate the efforts laid by Samarthanam in gathering people to raise awareness.” She also appreciated Samarthanam’s initiatives across various verticals and extended her support for Samartanam’s operations in Uttar Pradesh.
KT Rajan, Director, Allergan India said, “We at Allergan are proud of the event Walkathon 2017. Samarthanam excelled in organizing the event and gathering people to spread awareness on environment conservation. We are deeply delighted to be able to do our bit in supporting this initiative by Samarthanam.”
Saalumaraada Thimmakka, Environmentalist, said that she is happy to be at Walkathon 2017 and asking people to do their bit on the greenery. She said, “We all need to be alert when it comes to protecting our environment. Each one of us can make a huge difference in restoring the greenery. Working for a greener environment is my lifeline and anyone who shows effort towards it, I feel proud to be associated with the initiative.”
