- Nearly 1,500 employees unite to champion early cancer detection and community health
- Parivartan’s healthcare mission steps beyond banking to inspire preventive action
- Partnership with Indian Cancer Society amplifies awareness through participation and survivors’ voices
- Largest corporate contingent reflects bank’s belief that healthy communities power a strong nation
NE BUSINESS BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, JAN 15
Reinforcing its commitment to building healthier communities, HDFC Bank, through its CSR programme Parivartan, will field one of the largest corporate contingents at the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026, mobilising nearly 1,500 employees to run in support of cancer awareness and early detection on January 18.
The initiative, undertaken in partnership with the Indian Cancer Society (ICS)—India’s oldest non-profit organisation dedicated to cancer care—underscores the bank’s belief that its role extends beyond financial services to driving meaningful social impact.
Turning purpose into action
Under its Healthcare and Hygiene pillar, HDFC Bank Parivartan focuses on improving access to preventive healthcare, strengthening health infrastructure and encouraging timely health-seeking behaviour. Its association with the Tata Mumbai Marathon aligns seamlessly with this mission by highlighting the importance of early cancer detection, when treatment outcomes are significantly better.
The collaboration also includes a contingent of over 100 runners from the Indian Cancer Society, comprising employees and young cancer survivors—adding a powerful human dimension to the awareness campaign.
Leadership speaks on responsibility and impact
Speaking about the marathon, Kaizad Bharucha, Deputy Managing Director, HDFC Bank, said, “We are running for a cause that touches every family in some way. As a bank, our responsibility extends beyond financial services to the well-being of the communities we serve. We are proud to stand with the Indian Cancer Society to raise awareness, encourage early detection, and remind everyone that small steps can create life-changing impact.”
Awareness as the first line of defence
Commenting on the partnership, Usha Thorat, Secretary and Managing Trustee, Indian Cancer Society, said, “We are grateful to HDFC Bank for its unwavering support and for bringing together such a large contingent of employees to champion cancer awareness. Cancer affects countless families in India, and awareness is the first step towards improving outcomes. Early detection through simple screening significantly improves survival rates, yet fear, stigma, and lack of information continue to delay diagnosis. Seeing cancer survivors participate in the Tata Mumbai Marathon is deeply inspiring. Their courage and positivity reflect the spirit required to fight cancer and stay ahead of it. Cancers such as Oral, Cervical, and Breast can be detected early through simple screening processes, and early detection consistently leads to better outcomes such as better survival reduction in morbidity and cost of treatment.”
Employees power the purpose
To mark the collaboration, the Indian Cancer Society has conducted cancer awareness sessions for HDFC Bank employees and organised screening camps at select locations.
Emphasising the collective spirit behind the initiative, Kaizad Bharucha added, “At HDFC Bank, we believe strong communities begin with healthy lives. We are delighted to have 1,500 colleagues volunteer run for this cause. This is among the largest employee contingents we have fielded for the marathon till date. Our employees have come together as a community committed to making a meaningful difference.”
Sustained commitment beyond the marathon
Beyond the Mumbai Marathon, HDFC Bank Parivartan continues to support healthcare initiatives across India. In the area of cancer care, the bank has partnered with institutions such as the Gujarat Cancer Society and Tata Memorial Hospital, reinforcing its long-term commitment to prevention, treatment and awareness.
Parivartan, the bank’s umbrella CSR programme, drives development initiatives across six focus areas: Rural Development, Promotion of Education, Skill Development and Livelihood Enhancement, Healthcare and Hygiene, Financial Literacy and Inclusion, and Environmental Sustainability.
