- ‘Give to Gain’ Theme powers women-led movement on 115th International Women’s Day
- From 1 lakh+ walkers to ₹12.42 crore raised — A CSR model rooted in measurable impact
- Wellness walk blends physical fitness, mental health awareness & community giving
Three NGOs selected through transparent, non-repetitive, 80G-certified criteria - TTEC to match individual contributions, doubling social impact in Ahmedabad
NE SPORTS & HEALTH BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, MAR 5
On March 8, as the world marks the 115th International Women’s Day, Ahmedabad will witness more than just a morning walk. The 24th Annual TTEC Wellness Walk 2026 at L.D. Engineering College Ground will bring together thousands under a powerful credo — “Give to Gain.”
What began in 2003 as a modest employee engagement initiative has today evolved into one of the city’s most recognized CSR-led wellness movements. Over 23 editions, the initiative has mobilised 1,04,355 walkers, benefited 77 NGOs and raised over ₹12.42 crore (approximately $1.95 million), backed by 284 donors.
This year, funds raised through registrations and corporate sponsorships will directly support Manav Parivar Trust (Nonghanvadar), Shree Danev Foundation and Shwas Charitable Trust — with TTEC committing to match the total amount raised through individual registrations and distribute the equivalent contribution equally among the selected NGOs.
Biju Pillai: “Wellness Is Not an Event — It Is Our ESG Commitment in Action”
Announcing the event, Biju Pillai, Vice-President (Operations), TTEC India, said: “It is an honour to announce the 24th Annual TTEC Wellness Walk — an initiative rooted in compassion, unity, and the belief that together we can create meaningful change. For over two decades, the collective commitment of our employees, clients, partners, and citizens has helped raise more than $1.95 million (₹12.42 crore) for 77 NGOs, transforming thousands of lives.”
Addressing how the walk aligns with TTEC’s long-term employee wellbeing and ESG strategy, he added: “The Annual TTEC Wellness Walk is deeply aligned with our long-term employee wellbeing and ESG strategy. At TTEC, wellness is not a one-day activity; it is embedded into how we operate. The walk reinforces our commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance principles by promoting preventive health, community engagement, responsible philanthropy, and transparent fund disbursement. It strengthens our culture of purpose-driven performance.”
On measurable impact over the years, Pillai noted: “We have seen tangible outcomes — improved employee engagement scores, stronger cross-functional collaboration, higher participation in year-round wellness programs, and reduced absenteeism linked to lifestyle-related health issues. When over one lakh people walk together over 23 editions, it builds not just stamina but organisational cohesion and productivity.”
In today’s high-pressure corporate environment, he stressed the integration of mental health awareness: “In a fast-paced corporate ecosystem, physical fitness alone is not enough. The Wellness Walk integrates mental health awareness by encouraging mindful movement, peer bonding, stress reduction and open conversations around emotional wellbeing. Walking is one of the simplest yet most effective habits for holistic health — it clears the mind while strengthening the body.”
Reiterating the spirit of the year’s theme, he said: “The Wellness Walk is more than an event; it reflects who we are and what we stand for. It reminds us that true success is not measured by what we achieve alone, but by the lives we uplift along the way. I invite families, friends, and the wider community to join us—walk with heart, walk with purpose, and walk for change. The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘Give to Gain.’ In the same spirit, our 24th Annual Wellness Walk is proudly women-led, celebrating leadership, compassion, and collective action.”
Transparent NGO Selection Criteria
TTEC outlined clear principles behind selecting beneficiary NGOs:
- All cheques are written directly in the name of beneficiary NGOs
- No NGO is repeated in the subsequent year
- No TTEC Director is a trustee of any selected NGO
- Only compliant, impact-driven, 80G-certified organisations are considered
Voices from the beneficiary NGOs
Manav Parivar Trust (Est. 2013), which supports abandoned individuals with intellectual disabilities, stated: “The support from TTEC Wellness Walk enables us to provide safe housing, medical care, nutritious food and long-term rehabilitation to some of the most vulnerable members of society. This partnership strengthens dignity and lifelong care for those who have nowhere else to turn.”
Shree Danev Foundation (Est. 2017), dedicated to rescue and rehabilitation of stray birds and animals, said: “Urban compassion needs structured support. The funds raised will help us expand veterinary treatment, emergency rescue and rehabilitation efforts, reducing animal suffering and promoting coexistence in Ahmedabad.”
Shwas Charitable Trust (Est. 2008), which empowers underserved children through education and life-skills training, shared: “Every contribution translates into academic support, nutrition awareness and employability skills for children from low-income communities. The TTEC Wellness Walk connects corporate energy with grassroots transformation.”
Event Details
24th Annual TTEC Wellness Walk 2026
Date: March 8 (Sunday)
Time: 6:45 a.m.
Venue: L.D. Engineering College Ground, Ahmedabad
Registration: Online via Townscript (Minimum ₹300)
Categories: 4 km walk | 7.5 km run
As Ahmedabad gears up for another sunrise of solidarity, the TTEC Wellness Walk stands as a living example of how corporate wellness, ESG strategy, employee engagement and community giving can move in the same direction — one purposeful step at a time.
