Ujas Dave, Head of CSR at Tata Chemicals, explains how the programme is helping aspirants prepare for careers in the Indian Armed Forces
Category: Social Awareness
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Rural youth in Okhamandal receive structured defence training support through Tata Chemicals
Rural youth in Gujarat’s Okhamandal block are receiving structured preparation for careers in the Indian Armed Forces through a training initiative supported by Tata Chemicals. The programme is being implemented by the company’s CSR arm, Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development, in partnership with Ramshingbha Trust, also known as Manek Defence Academy.
The first batch of the programme enrolled 12 candidates, of whom seven were selected for the Indian Army under the Agniveer scheme. In the current year, 27 candidates are undergoing training. One candidate has been selected for the Indian Air Force, while three candidates have cleared the written, physical, and medical examinations under the SSC GD category and are awaiting the final merit list. An additional 14 candidates have cleared the written examination and are preparing for subsequent stages of the selection process.
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Soil testing facility launched in Andhra Pradesh after PM Modi highlights SayTrees work
Kapil Sharma, Founder and Trustee of SayTrees Environmental Trust, and Lt Cdr Deokant Payasi (Retd.), Co Founder and Chief Executive Officer, outline how the Anantapur centre supports farmers and agroforestry
Following a recent mention by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Mann Ki Baat, recognising its work in environmental restoration and lake rejuvenation, SayTrees Environmental Trust has launched its first soil testing facility in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. The initiative was announced on the occasion of Makar Sankranti and is aimed at supporting farmers linked to the organisation’s agroforestry programmes.
Makar Sankranti is a period when farmers prepare their land for the next agricultural season. In Andhra Pradesh, where soil is revered as Bhoomi Talli, the initiative has been positioned as a step toward strengthening both soil health and rural livelihoods. The Anantapur facility is designed to provide farmers with timely and accessible soil health insights to guide cultivation and plantation decisions.The soil testing centre uses a technology enabled system capable of analysing key soil parameters, including pH levels, organic carbon, NPK nutrients, sulphur, and essential micronutrients. According to the organisation, the facility can generate clear soil health reports within an hour, enabling farmers to make informed decisions without long waiting periods.
Anantapur faces growing challenges linked to climate variability, soil degradation, and rising agricultural input costs. By helping farmers understand the specific requirements of their soil, the facility aims to reduce unnecessary fertiliser use, lower expenses, and improve crop and plantation outcomes.The initiative also reflects SayTrees’ focus on inclusive and community led solutions. The facility is operated by an all women team, reinforcing the organisation’s emphasis on local participation. The project has been supported by Infosys, which will enable SayTrees to expand its outreach and support more than 15,000 farmers over the coming year.
SayTrees’ agroforestry programme works with farmers to integrate fruit bearing and native tree species into agricultural land. The approach is intended to improve soil quality, enhance water retention, and create long term income opportunities alongside conventional crops. To date, the organisation has partnered with thousands of farmers across India and facilitated the planting of millions of fruit trees.The trust is also developing an enablement framework to support farmers transitioning to agroforestry. The plan includes farmer mobilisation, capacity building across partners, and the plantation of approximately 100 million trees on farmlands over the next five years. The initiative is expected to be implemented in collaboration with government bodies, non profit organisations, and corporate social responsibility partners.
Speaking about the initiative, Kapil Sharma, Founder and Trustee of SayTrees Environmental Trust, said that many farmers want to improve crop outcomes but are not always aware of what their soil requires. He noted that the facility is intended to support farmers and honour the land that sustains agricultural communities.Lt Cdr Deokant Payasi (Retd.), Co Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SayTrees, said that healthy soil is central to a strong harvest and long term security for farmers. He added that providing farmers with the right knowledge about their land can help them reduce costs and approach farming decisions with greater confidence.
As part of its expansion plans, SayTrees intends to establish similar soil testing facilities in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, extending support for agroforestry and climate resilient farming practices across additional regions.At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.
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From wheat to multigrain, household food habits evolve in Bathinda with backing from Ambuja Cements
Balveer Singh, a local flour mill owner, explains how community awareness influenced his business
Household food habits in parts of Bathinda are undergoing a gradual shift, with families moving beyond wheat to include maize and millet as everyday staples. This change has been influenced by community level nutrition awareness efforts supported by Ambuja Cements as part of its ongoing social initiatives in the region.
In villages around Bathinda, wheat has traditionally been the dominant grain in daily meals. Over time, however, awareness sessions conducted through Ambuja Cements’ health focused programmes have encouraged conversations around balanced diets and the role of alternative grains in managing lifestyle related conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. These discussions have led many households to reintroduce maize and millet flour into their kitchens, not just seasonally but throughout the year.The impact of this shift has been visible at the local flour mill operated by Balveer Singh. He began noticing a steady increase in requests for maize flour, even outside the winter months when demand was typically limited. As awareness grew within the community, customers started asking about healthier grain options and blends that could support long term well being.
Responding to this change in demand, Singh expanded his milling operations to include multigrain flour blends combining wheat, maize, and millet. What began as a small adjustment soon transformed his mill into a regular source of nutritious flour for families seeking more balanced dietary choices. The availability of these options has made it easier for households to act on health advice without changing their purchasing routines.This localised transformation highlights how awareness, access, and participation from community entrepreneurs can together influence everyday food decisions. Rather than relying on supplements or external interventions, the emphasis has remained on familiar, food based solutions that fit into existing cultural practices.
By engaging with local stakeholders and supporting awareness around nutrition, Ambuja Cements’ initiatives in Bathinda reflect how incremental changes at the household level can contribute to broader improvements in community health. The experience also underscores the role of small businesses in translating awareness into practical choices that are accessible and sustainable.At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.
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Delhi’s nightlife embraces queer celebration with Pure Love’s Fake Wedding
The Kitty Su Pop Up IP lands at 24/7 Bar, The LaLiT New Delhi, with music, performance, and immersive wedding aesthetics
New Delhi, January 2026: Delhi’s nightlife will host a distinctive cultural moment this month as Pure Love’s Fake Wedding arrives in the capital, bringing a queer reimagining of the Indian shaadi to the city. The event will take place on 17 January at The LaLiT New Delhi, with the celebration unfolding at the hotel’s 24/7 Bar.
Conceptualised as a travelling cultural IP, Pure Love’s Fake Wedding has previously toured cities including Mumbai, Jaipur, Kolkata, and Chandigarh. The event blends performance, ritual, and nightlife into an immersive experience that reworks traditional wedding elements through a queer lens. From a dhol-led baraat and curated décor to mehendi artists and reimagined ceremonies, the evening draws on familiar wedding aesthetics while reframing them as spaces of visibility and inclusion.The Delhi edition is being presented in collaboration with Rainbow India and Rainbow Delhi, extending the event’s community-driven ethos. At its core, the Fake Wedding functions as both celebration and commentary, creating room for queer joy and collective expression in a country where same-sex marriage does not yet have legal recognition.
The night’s music and performance line-up features Veronica, Lush Monsoon, Fardish, Betta Naan Stop, Wacker Cracker, Hash Brownie, and Mysterious Munda, with DJ Triangle Edge guiding the evening’s progression from reflective moments to high-energy dancefloor sets. Together, the performances are designed to mirror the emotional arc of a wedding, moving from ritual to revelry.The choice of venue carries added significance. The LaLiT New Delhi has long been recognised as an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community, making it a fitting host for an event that centres queer narratives within mainstream cultural forms. By situating the Fake Wedding within a prominent hospitality space, the organisers aim to broaden the visibility of queer-led cultural expression within the city’s nightlife ecosystem.
Pure Love’s Fake Wedding opens its doors at 9 PM and is ticketed through SkillBox and Sort My Scene, with entry priced from ₹759. As the event makes its Delhi debut, it adds to the growing presence of queer cultural programming within the capital, positioning nightlife as a space for both celebration and social dialogue.At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.
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Long running education support for truck drivers’ daughters reaches a new milestone through Mahindra’s Saarthi Abhiyaan
Mahindra Trucks and Buses President Vinod Sahay and business head Dr. Venkat Srinivas discuss the programme’s 12th edition
Long running education support for truck drivers’ daughters has reached a new milestone with the announcement of the 12th edition of Mahindra’s Saarthi Abhiyaan. The initiative, led by the Truck and Bus business of Mahindra Group, continues to focus on enabling young girls from transport communities to pursue education beyond secondary school.
Since its launch in 2014, the programme has awarded 11,029 scholarships worth over Rs. 11 crore to truck drivers’ daughters across India. In its 12th edition, the initiative will extend support to another 1,000 students, each receiving a scholarship of Rs. 10,000. The scholarships are open to eligible applicants who have passed the Class 10 examination and are pursuing further education, irrespective of whether their fathers own or drive Mahindra vehicles or trucks from other manufacturers.The programme is designed to recognise the role played by truck drivers in prioritising education for their daughters and to address structural barriers that often limit access to continued schooling. Selection of beneficiaries will be carried out through outreach programmes across more than 75 transport hubs nationwide, following a transparent and independent evaluation process.
Commenting on the programme, Vinod Sahay, President, Trucks, Buses and Construction Equipment and Member of the Group Executive Board at Mahindra, said that the initiative goes beyond financial assistance. He noted that the programme seeks to open opportunities for girls while reinforcing confidence and aspiration within families that form the backbone of India’s logistics and transport ecosystem.Dr. Venkat Srinivas, Business Head, Trucks, Buses and Construction Equipment at Mahindra Group, said the sustained nature of the programme reflects the company’s long term commitment to education and social mobility. He added that supporting the daughters of truck drivers is also about creating an environment where opportunity, motivation, and ambition are nurtured consistently over time.
Each selected student will receive the scholarship amount through direct bank transfer along with a certificate of recognition. The felicitation ceremonies for the 12th edition are scheduled to take place between February and March 2026 at select locations across the country, hosted by leadership from Mahindra’s Truck and Bus business.
Through Saarthi Abhiyaan, Mahindra continues to focus on education led social impact, reinforcing the role of industry in supporting inclusive growth and equal access to opportunity.At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.
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Integrated CSR Support by Ambuja Cements Lifts Entire Family in Rajasthan’s Marwar Mundwa
Skill training, water access, and women-led enterprise enable sustainable incomes for every adult member of a rural household
Rajasthan, 31 December 2025: Ambuja Cements, the ninth largest building materials solutions company globally and part of the diversified Adani Portfolio, continues to demonstrate how coordinated corporate social responsibility initiatives can bring long term change to rural households. The journey of Mehboob Ali and his family from Marwar Mundwa in Rajasthan reflects the impact of integrated interventions focused on skills, livelihoods, water security, and women’s economic participation.
For years, Mehboob Ali’s family depended on rain-fed farming on just one bigha of land, equivalent to 0.160 hectares. Seasonal uncertainty forced Mehboob to supplement income through daily wage labour to meet basic household needs. Seeking stability, he enrolled in a three-month Mason Training Course in 2005 at the Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Institute in Nagaur, supported through Ambuja Cements’ CSR efforts.After completing the programme, Mehboob began working independently as a small civil contractor. Over time, he expanded his work and today earns around ₹50,000 per month. He continues to remain associated with Ambuja Foundation as a contractor for community development projects.
In 2015, the family received a 5,000 litre Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting Structure, which ensured year-round access to safe drinking water. This intervention eliminated the daily burden faced by women who earlier travelled long distances to fetch water from ponds, significantly improving household wellbeing.That same year, Mehboob’s elder son Aslam completed training in the Retail Associate trade at SEDI Nagaur. He is now employed at Ambuja Cements’ Marwar Mundwa Plant with a monthly income of ₹18,000. His younger son, Azruddin, is currently undergoing skill training in the Assistant Electrician trade at SEDI Nagaur and is preparing to begin his professional career as an electrician.
Mehboob’s wife, Kheruna, joined the Firoza Self Help Group in 2020, reviving the family’s traditional cotton quilt making work. With a loan of ₹30,000, she began producing quilts and mattresses and also earns through stitching services, adding a steady supplementary income to the household.Today, every adult member of the Mehboob Ali family is skilled and financially independent. Their progress illustrates how integrated CSR interventions across livelihood development, skill building, women’s enterprise, and water sustainability can create resilient and self reliant rural families. Ambuja Cements continues to implement such multi sectoral initiatives across India, strengthening the foundations of inclusive rural development.
At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.
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Botanic Healthcare Commissions RO Plant to Supply Drinking Water in Rural Hyderabad
The CSR initiative will supply clean drinking water to over 1,000 residents daily in Thallasingaram village.
Botanic Healthcare has commissioned a reverse osmosis water plant in Thallasingaram village near Hyderabad as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative, aiming to address the persistent challenge of drinking water scarcity in the region. The facility, inaugurated on December 26, has been set up to supply clean and safe drinking water to more than 1,000 residents every day.
Located in a drought-prone area on the outskirts of Hyderabad, Thallasingaram village has long faced limited access to potable water. The newly installed RO plant has a capacity of one kilolitre per hour and is designed to provide a consistent supply of purified drinking water to the local community, supporting basic health and hygiene needs.The project forms part of Botanic Healthcare’s broader community development efforts, with a focus on strengthening public health infrastructure in rural and semi-rural areas. By improving access to clean drinking water, the initiative is expected to help reduce the risk of waterborne diseases and ease the daily burden faced by residents who rely on unsafe or inconsistent water sources.
According to the company, local community representatives have been involved in the project to support ongoing maintenance and ensure the long-term functioning of the facility. This collaborative approach is intended to promote local ownership and operational sustainability, allowing the plant to continue serving the village beyond the initial installation phase.Commenting on the initiative, Madhu Krishnamani, Founder and Managing Director of Botanic Healthcare, said that access to clean water is a fundamental requirement for public health and sustainable progress. He stated that the company views corporate responsibility as an extension of its role in society, with a focus on building systems that allow communities and natural resources to coexist responsibly. He added that the goal of the project is to create lasting social value through purposeful action rather than short-term interventions.
The RO water plant will be operated in coordination with village-level stakeholders to ensure regular upkeep and efficient usage. Company representatives noted that this structure is intended to support uninterrupted access to drinking water while encouraging community participation in managing shared resources.The initiative also aligns with India’s broader water conservation and public health objectives, while contributing to the goals outlined under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation. By linking local action with global development priorities, the project reinforces the role of private sector participation in addressing essential infrastructure gaps.
Botanic Healthcare has previously undertaken CSR projects across areas such as public health, education, and environmental protection. The Thallasingaram water initiative adds to these efforts, reflecting the company’s stated focus on inclusive growth and community-led development.As water scarcity continues to affect several regions across Telangana, initiatives such as this RO plant offer targeted relief at the village level. For residents of Thallasingaram, the facility represents improved daily access to a basic necessity, supporting health, well-being, and resilience in a water-stressed environment.
At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.
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World Meditation Day Begins With 33 Hour Global Wave Guided by Dr. Tony Nader
Officially designated by the United Nations General Assembly, the first World Meditation Day followed the sun across time zones with synchronized sessions involving participants from more than 100 countries.
The first global observance of World Meditation Day concluded on 22 December 2025 with an unprecedented 33 hour rolling wave of meditation that moved across continents, linking millions of people through synchronized periods of silence and reflection. Officially designated by the United Nations General Assembly, the day marked a significant moment in the international recognition of meditation as a practice connected to public well being, social balance, and collective calm.
The worldwide observance began at 8:00 a.m. in New Zealand and concluded at 5:00 p.m. in Hawaii, following the sun across time zones and creating a continuous chain of meditation sessions around the globe. Participants gathered at 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. local time in each region, forming a rhythm of stillness that moved steadily from east to west. In India, sessions were held at 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., aligning with the global schedule while accommodating local time standards.The inaugural observance was inaugurated and guided by Dr. Tony Nader, MD, PhD, MARR, the international leader of the Transcendental Meditation movement. Dr. Nader has been closely involved with the United Nations over several years, advocating for meditation-based approaches to address stress, conflict, and social fragmentation. His role in the launch of World Meditation Day reflected both his long-standing engagement with international institutions and the broader movement toward recognizing inner well being as a public concern.
During the global livestream that connected participants across continents, Dr. Nader announced a major milestone in the Transcendental Meditation movement’s decades-long work. He confirmed the formal establishment of permanent groups of 10,000 advanced meditation practitioners now practicing together at multiple locations worldwide. According to Dr. Nader, this initiative builds on more than fifty years of scientific research examining the effects of large group meditation on stress reduction and social trends, research that has been conducted in academic and institutional settings across several countries.The live global meditation stream was open to the public and welcomed individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. Schools, universities, wellness organizations, faith communities, civic groups, and independent participants joined either online or through in person gatherings. National Transcendental Meditation organizations hosted coordinated events in more than 100 countries, with participation reported from major cities, educational institutions, and community spaces.
The designation of World Meditation Day by the United Nations General Assembly reflects a broader shift within the United Nations system toward acknowledging meditation as a practical tool in demanding environments. The U.N. System Strategy on Staff Health and Well being for 2024 and beyond identifies meditation as a method for reducing stress and supporting mental resilience among staff. In addition, recent reports from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights have noted the relevance of meditation practices in high stress and conflict affected contexts, particularly for individuals working under sustained pressure.Throughout the 33 hour observance, participants described the experience as one of shared quiet rather than spectacle. The absence of speeches, performances, or ceremonies during the meditation periods was intentional, reinforcing the idea that the day was centered on direct personal experience rather than public display. The structure of the observance allowed people in different cultures and belief systems to participate without the need for shared language or doctrine.
Organizers noted that the rolling format of the meditation wave was designed to emphasize continuity rather than simultaneity. As one region concluded its session, another began, creating an unbroken sequence of collective practice. This approach underscored the global nature of the observance while respecting local customs and daily routines.
As millions paused together in silence across time zones, the inaugural World Meditation Day marked a defining moment in global efforts to integrate inner well being into public life. Guided by Dr. Nader and supported by the United Nations’ formal recognition, the observance highlighted a growing international consensus that calm, clarity, and mental balance are not private concerns alone, but shared foundations for social stability and cooperation.The conclusion of the first World Meditation Day leaves open the path for future observances, with organizers indicating that the structure established this year may serve as a model for continued global participation. For many involved, the day stood as a quiet but clear signal that moments of collective stillness now have a place on the international calendar.
At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.
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RIZE 2025 Brings Together 1,400 Students as Kotak Education Foundation Marks a Milestone in Scholarship Support
Scholars from economically disadvantaged families across Mumbai were recognised under the Kotak Junior and Graduate Scholarship Programmes.
RIZE 2025 brought together students, educators, and mentors in Mumbai as Kotak Education Foundation marked a significant moment in its long-running scholarship work. The annual gathering recognised over 1,400 students from economically disadvantaged families who have been selected under the Kotak Junior and Graduate Scholarship Programmes to pursue higher education across diverse academic streams.
Organised by Kotak Education Foundation, the education-focused CSR arm of Kotak Mahindra Group, the event reflected the scale the scholarship programmes have reached over the years. The newly inducted scholars come from schools and colleges across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and represent a wide range of academic aspirations, from science and engineering to commerce, law, and professional certification courses.The ceremony was attended by students who will be entering higher secondary education, undergraduate programmes, and professional courses. For many of them, the scholarship represents not only financial assistance but access to structured academic support, mentoring, and long-term guidance through critical years of study. The foundation has consistently positioned education continuity as central to social mobility, particularly for students whose families face financial constraints.
A key moment at the event was the presence of Rinku Hooda, Indian para-athlete and World Champion in javelin, who interacted with the scholars and shared his personal journey. His address focused on perseverance, discipline, and the importance of sustained effort in the face of barriers. Students responded with visible enthusiasm, engaging with his experiences and drawing parallels with their own academic journeys.The event also featured an address by alumnus Vishal Nevge, Assistant Commissioner of State Tax with the GST Department, Government of Maharashtra. As a former beneficiary of the Kotak Junior Scholarship Programme, he spoke about the role structured support played in his career progression. His remarks resonated strongly with students and parents, offering a tangible example of how early educational backing can translate into professional outcomes.
Senior leadership from Kotak Mahindra Group and Kotak Education Foundation addressed the gathering, reflecting on the growth of the scholarship programmes over time. Devang Gheewalla, Group Chief Financial Officer at Kotak Mahindra Bank, spoke about the importance of sustained investment in education as a long-term commitment rather than a one-time intervention. He highlighted how the scale of the programme has expanded while retaining focus on individual student outcomes.Paul Parambi, Trustee at Kotak Education Foundation, encouraged scholars to approach their academic paths with consistency and resilience. He emphasised that the scholarship is designed to support students beyond tuition costs, with an ecosystem that includes mentoring, skill development, and exposure to real-world opportunities.
Arati Kaulgud, Director of Scholarship Programmes at Kotak Education Foundation, said the newly inducted scholars reflect the transformative potential of education when combined with access and guidance. She noted that the foundation’s approach is centred on enabling students to explore opportunities that may otherwise remain out of reach due to economic circumstances.The ceremony also included cultural and creative performances by scholars, offering a glimpse into talents that extend beyond academics. Each student received a scholarship certificate, marking the beginning of a structured engagement with the foundation that will continue through their years of study.
RIZE 2025 brought together students, parents, educators, and Kotak Education Foundation’s leadership, creating a shared space to reflect on progress and possibility. As the scholarship cohort grows, the foundation continues to build on its long-term focus of supporting education pathways that lead to stable livelihoods and professional independence.At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.
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Women’s Health Takes Center Stage in Mumbai as Pinkathon Promotion Brings Generations Together at VES Chembur
Hosted at Vivekanand Education Society, Chembur, the gathering emphasized women’s health, breast cancer awareness, and the Grandmother’s 10K Run ahead of the main Pinkathon marathon.
Mumbai witnessed a strong show of community participation and intergenerational fitness engagement on December 14, 2025, as a Pinkathon promotional event unfolded at the Vivekanand Education Society campus in Chembur. Hosted with Vivekanand Education Society serving as the venue partner, the gathering brought together women, families, and senior citizens from across the city to focus attention on women’s health, breast cancer awareness, and the importance of active living at every stage of life.
The event placed special emphasis on the Grandmother’s 10K Run, a distinctive Pinkathon initiative designed to encourage elderly women to participate in long-distance running alongside their children and grandchildren. By centering senior women within a family-based fitness framework, the initiative seeks to challenge age-related stereotypes around physical activity while reinforcing the idea that health and movement remain essential throughout one’s lifetime.Held at the VES Campus 1 Ground, the morning program drew participants representing multiple age groups, creating an atmosphere that blended fitness, awareness, and community interaction. Attendees took part in guided warm-up routines and group fitness sessions, including Zumba, which added an element of collective energy and inclusivity to the proceedings. The format allowed first-time participants and experienced runners alike to engage comfortably, reinforcing Pinkathon’s accessible approach to health advocacy.
Pinkathon, recognized as India’s largest women’s running movement, has consistently focused on promoting breast cancer awareness, preventive health practices, and fitness-driven lifestyles among women. The Chembur promotional event reflected this broader mission by offering participants a preview of the spirit and scale associated with the main Pinkathon marathon, while grounding the experience in local community participation.The presence of Pinkathon founder Milind Soman added further visibility and momentum to the event. Known for his long-standing association with endurance sports and public fitness advocacy, Soman interacted closely with attendees, encouraging families to view fitness as a shared responsibility rather than an individual pursuit. His engagement particularly underscored the value of senior women remaining physically active, not in isolation, but within the support structures of their families.
Throughout the morning, conversations around women’s health extended beyond physical exercise to include awareness about preventive care and long-term well-being. Informal discussions among participants reflected a growing openness around topics such as breast cancer awareness and the role of consistent physical activity in improving quality of life. The setting allowed these exchanges to take place in a relaxed, community-driven environment rather than a formal health forum, making the subject matter more approachable.Vivekanand Education Society’s role as venue partner aligned closely with its broader institutional emphasis on holistic development and community engagement. By opening its Chembur campus for the Pinkathon promotional event, the society positioned its educational infrastructure as a shared civic space capable of hosting initiatives that extend beyond academics into public health and social awareness.
Commenting on the association, Dr Prakash Lulla, Treasurer of Vivekanand Education Society, highlighted the relevance of the initiative to the institution’s values. He stated that supporting a movement which brings multiple generations together through fitness reflects VES’s belief in nurturing overall well-being within the community. According to him, the event’s focus on women’s health and active living resonated strongly with the society’s long-standing commitment to holistic development.As the event progressed, participants were encouraged to consider enrolling in the upcoming Pinkathon marathon, with organizers offering guidance on registration and preparation. The emphasis remained on participation rather than competition, reinforcing the idea that the movement prioritizes inclusivity and sustained engagement over performance metrics.
The program concluded with group fitness activities and medal distributions, marking participation rather than finishing times. These closing moments served to reinforce the event’s central message that health initiatives can be celebratory, communal, and welcoming, particularly for those who may be stepping into organized fitness activities for the first time.By spotlighting the Grandmother’s 10K Run and situating it within a family-oriented context, the Chembur promotional event demonstrated how large-scale health movements can adapt their messaging to resonate at the community level. The gathering not only amplified awareness around women’s health and breast cancer but also offered a practical example of how intergenerational participation can strengthen the reach and relevance of fitness-driven campaigns.
With the main Pinkathon marathon on the horizon, the promotional event at Vivekanand Education Society served as both a call to action and a reminder that sustained health awareness begins within local communities. The turnout and engagement in Chembur suggested a growing readiness among Mumbai residents to embrace fitness as a shared, lifelong journey, anchored in family support and collective responsibility.At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.