Kanyathon marks 15 years with over 13,000 participants across three cities
Bengaluru, March 9: The 15th edition of Kanyathon, one of India’s largest student-led charity runs, witnessed participation from more than 13,000 people across Bengaluru, Karjat and Pilani, reaffirming its mission of supporting girls’ education and empowerment.
Nearly 10,000 runners and walkers took part in the Bengaluru event, while over 2,000 joined in Karjat and around 1,000 participants ran at Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani. Students, volunteers, corporate partners and members of the public came together to support the cause.
Kanyathon is organised entirely by students from IFIM Institutions, Jagdish Sheth School of Management (JAGSoM) and Vijaybhoomi University, and has evolved over the years into a sustained social initiative aimed at addressing gender inequality through education.
Supported by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports under the Fit India Movement, the initiative began in 2011 with about 400 participants. Since then, it has grown into a nationwide movement drawing thousands of participants annually.
Organisers said the 2026 edition alone has raised nearly ₹65 lakh through individual donations and corporate support. Several companies, including Wipro, HP, Timken, Biocon, Infosys, Siemens, Deutsche Bank, Brillio, Momentive, Sagility and Tech Mahindra, supported the initiative.
Speaking about the impact of the programme, Kalpana Padode, governing board member of Vijaybhoomi University, said the run represents more than just a sporting event. “Each step taken during Kanyathon symbolises a step towards education, dignity and opportunity for young girls. What began as a small campus initiative has grown into a movement that has positively impacted over three lakh girls over the past 15 years,” she said.
Through the initiative, organisers have supported NGOs, provided scholarships for students from economically weaker sections, and helped girls from marginalised communities continue their education. The programme has also facilitated the construction of sanitation facilities in government schools and established Kanyathon Shiksha Kendras to improve learning opportunities.
At present, nine Kanyathon Shiksha Kendras operate in government schools across Karnataka and Maharashtra, offering programmes in spoken English, computer literacy and health awareness to more than 1,000 students. The initiative has also supported computer labs, classroom upgrades and sanitation facilities to address infrastructure gaps in schools.
In collaboration with the Akshaya Patra Foundation, mid-day meals are provided to students attending these centres, helping maintain regular attendance. Menstrual hygiene awareness sessions are also conducted to support adolescent girls in continuing their education with dignity.
Commenting on the event at Pilani, Sudhirkumar Barai, director of BITS Pilani, said the initiative served as a meaningful way to celebrate women’s empowerment around International Women’s Day. He noted that the participation of young girls from underprivileged communities made the event particularly impactful.
This year’s Kanyathon featured 3-km walkathons, 5-km and 10-km timed runs, professional runs and family runs, along with community fitness activities. Driven largely by student volunteers and supported by corporate partners, the initiative aims to reach around 1,000 more girls in the coming year while expanding its programmes in education, health and digital literacy for underserved communities.
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