To bring about a green change in people and their practices.

Samarthanam is organizing the 13th Bengaluru Walkathon supported by Allergan on 9th December 2017 at Kittur Rani Chennamma Stadium in Bengaluru. With the theme ‘Green Vision Clear Mission’ Walkathon 2017 calls for support towards spreading the importance of environment conservation. It is an effort to make each person realize the significance of a healthier environment and adopt green practices.

Mahantesh GK, Founder Managing Trustee of Samarthanam stated that an event like Walkathon serves to be an ideal platform to raise awareness on the needs of a cleaner and greener city. He said, “I am glad to have initiatied this green movement towards environment conservation and thankful to Allergan for supporting the event. I appreciate the response received from media, public, sponsors and partners towards the making of Walkathon.”

Mr. K T Rajan, Director – Operations of Allergan, the title supporter of the Walkathon said “We are delighted to be associated with Samarthanam in this noble initiative of environment conservation. We at Allergan believe that it is vital to leave behind a ‘Greener and Cleaner world’ for the generations to come. It is this endeavor that has motivated us to support the 13thBengaluru Walkathon 2017”.

Allergan Bengaluru Walkathon 2017 is an effort to bring back greenery to the city of Bengaluru. Veteran actor, filmmaker Upendra Rao is the Brand Ambassador for the event. We are immensely grateful to Upendra for his valuable time and words encouraging people to take the green path. National Citizen’s Awardee and famous environmentalist Saalumarada Thimmakka, is the Guest of Honor for Walkathon 2017. Her work for the environment is inspirational and we pledge to follow her footsteps and spread the message.

Samarthanam extends gratitude to our title sponsor -Allergan, and other sponsors , Northern Trust, Time Inc, TE Connectivity, Landmark, Yaskawa, GKN Aerospace, Intuit, and Himalaya, our partners -Vijayawani, Dighvijay, Vyoma Aerospace, Sankara TV, Ayush TV, Ramaiah, Red FM, Aircel, KMF, Aerolex Motors Pvt Ltd.

Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled also recently received National Award under the best institution category awarded by the Government of India for its services to the society. Samarthanam’s services have been suitably recognized by the Government and honored with the prestigious National Award.

Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled: Registered as a Trust in 1997, Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled has been working towards creating education and livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities and from underserved communities. The larger vision of our organization is to work towards an inclusive society which provides equal opportunities for all. More details can be found at our official website: www.samarthanam.org

Allergan plc, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing innovative branded pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter medicines and biologic products for patients around the world. With commercial operations in approximately 100 countries, Allergan is committed to working with physicians, healthcare providers and patients to deliver meaningful treatments that help people around the world live longer, healthier lives.

Allergan in India is engaged in providing valuable treatments in the therapeutic areas of eyecare, neurology, urology and facial aesthetic.

Focuses on harnessing support for Cricket for the Visually Impaired ahead of the 2nd T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind, 2017

Bengaluru: Commemorating the “World Disability Day”, every year, Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled organizes a Walkathon on a specific theme. The walkathon is organized to primarily involve people across the country and spread awareness for a common cause. The Bengaluru Walkathon is perceived as a platform to bring together people from various sects of the Society and walks of life, including people with disabilities to enhance awareness on their needs and more importantly call for concerted action.

Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled Announced the 12th Bengaluru Walkathon. The walkathon is scheduled on the 10th of December, 2016, Saturday, 3 pm, at the Kittur Rani Chennamma Stadium, Jayanagara and is themed on Cricket for the Blind, “I support Cricket for the Blind… Do you?”, where the objective is to support cricket for the visually impaired and also promote the upcoming 2nd T20 World Cup Cricket Tournament for the Blind, scheduled to be played between 29th January to 12th February 2017, across multiple cities in India.

The Walkathon will be flagged off from the Kittur Rani Chennamma Stadium, Jayanagara and will proceed towards Jayanagar 4th Block, 3rd Block, South End Road and will finally culminate at the Kittur Rani Chennamma Stadium. The walkathon is expected to witness an excellent support and participation of over 15,000 people, that includes corporate companies, NGOs, General Public, Partners, Students and the Differently abled.

People who intend to participate and support the cause can visit the website https://samarthanam.org/walkathon/ and register. Alternately people can also call and register on +91 9449864784 / +91 9480809589. There is also an option to contribute financially towards driving the cause.

Addressing the media Mr. Mahantesh GK, Founder Managing Trustee, Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, said, “Samarthanam Walkathon is perceived as an ideal example towards involving people with disabilities and other individuals to come together and support Cricket for the blind, which is an effort towards making the most adored game of cricket accessible to the visually impaired. Consecutively the event makes way towards building an inclusive society free from discrimination. I would like to urge Bangalore to walk along with us and convey your support for the blind cricketers across the globe. My sincere thanks to all the sponsors and partners for their continuous support which will drive the walkathon to an outstanding success”.

About Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled: Registered as a Trust in 1997, Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled has been working towards creating education and livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities and from underserved communities. The larger vision of our organization is to work towards an inclusive society which provides equal opportunities for all. More details on our website: www.samathanam.org

For More details please contact:
Mr.Niranjan
Media Coordinator –Media@samarthanam.org
9686927288 / 8072258679

Bengaluru: The 12th edition of Samarthanam Bengaluru Walkathon 2016 with the theme, “I support Cricket for the Blind… Do you?” was held at Kittur Rani Chennamma Stadium in Bengaluru. The objective of Walkathon was to support cricket for the visually impaired and also spread awareness on the upcoming 2nd T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind, 2017, being hosted in India.

Over 10,000 people that included corporate companies, NGOs, General Public, Partners, Students and the Differently abled showed their support for Cricket for the Blind by taking the walk. The Walkathon was flagged off from the Kittur Rani Chennamma Stadium, Jayanagara and proceeded towards Jayanagar 4th Block, 3rd Block, South End Road and finally culminated at the Kittur Rani Chennamma Stadium. As a part of Walkathon 2016, a Blind Cricket demo match was played by the Indian Blind Cricket Team players and the occasion also saw a wheel chair distribution programme by Samarthanam.

The event was flagged off by Shri Ramalinga Reddy, Transport Minister, Govt. of Karnataka in the presence of Mr.Mahantesh GK, Founder Managing Trustee of Samarthanam trust for the Disabled and President of Cricket association for the Blind in India (CABI). The launch was also presided by Guests of Honour, Mr.Vijayakumar, MLA Jayanagar, Mr.Nagaraju, BBMP CorporatorByrasandra Ward, Mr.Vasanth Kumar, Executive Director, Lifestyle International, Mr.RajagopalanAlwar, President, Time Inc,Ms.IndumatiNetimi CFO, Time Inc, India and Mr.Srikanata S Narayan, Vice President & Head, Ciber India.

Participating in the walkathon Shri Ramalinga Reddy, The Honourable Transport Minister, Govt. Of Karnataka said, “I am proud to be a part of the 12th Bengaluru Walkathon spreading awareness on the possibilities for the visually impaired to lead a normal aspirational life and support the cause of Cricket for the Blind ahead of the 2nd T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind in 2017. Sport is a great way to bring normalcy to the lives of the differently abled and provide them with a certain degree of financial independence. Close to half of the world’s total visually impaired population are in India, each one of us can make a huge difference to their lives by pledging our eyes. I request my fellow citizens to pledge their eyes and join the eye donation movement.”

The funds raised through walkathon will be pooled towards organizing the upcoming 2nd T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind, scheduled to be played between 29th January and 12th February 2017, across multiple cities in India. To contribute towards 2ndT20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind 2017, please visit www.blindcricket.in.

Speaking after culmination of the Walkathon, Mr.Mahantesh GK, Founder Managing Trustee, Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, said “I am extremely delighted the way Walkathon 2016 has raised awareness for the cause of Cricket for the Blind. I would like to thank each and every sponsor, partner, media and participant for upholding this noble cause. Cricket for the blind is a great platform to encourage visually impaired players, foster their cricketing career and lives, and by having walked together today we express our solidarity, concern and care for people with disability.”

Mr.RajagopalanAlwar, President, Time Inc. India said, “At Time Inc, we believe that communities help build connections across the company, where bright minds collaborate, engage and inspire one another through learning, mentoring, networking and volunteering events for specific causes. The purpose of this initiative is to provide employees with an opportunity to contribute to the development of communities in Bangalore, as a part of our commitment to make a difference in their lives. This program also offers an excellent opportunity for our employees to leverage their professional expertise and skills for the benefit of the larger society. We are deeply delighted to be able to do our bit in supporting this initiative by Samarthanam for Cricket for the Blind.”

Mr.Srikanata S Narayan, Vice President & Head, Ciber India averred, “Ciber India’s CSR program, Care firmly believes in enabling the underprivileged communities of our country with skills and platforms that can benefit them both economically and emotionally. Today, we are extremely happy to be a part of Samarthanam and the 12th Bengaluru Walkathon.”

About Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled: Registered as a Trust in 1997, Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled has been working towards creating education and livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities and from underserved communities. The larger vision of our organization is to work towards an inclusive society which provides equal opportunities for all.
More details on our website: www.samathanam.org

For More details please contact:
Mr.Niranjan
Media Coordinator –Media@samarthanam.org
9686927288 / 8072258679