- 4,124 participants join the 24th TTEC Wellness Walk blending health, compassion and community spirit
- Funds raised support three impactful NGOs championing disability care, animal welfare and children’s education
- Event flagged off at L. D. College of Engineering amid vibrant participation on International Women’s Day
- 24-year movement has mobilised over 1.08 lakh walkers and raised more than ₹13.44 crore for 80 NGOs
- A shining example of Amdavadis’ art of giving, where every step counts for society
NE SPORTS & HEALTH BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, MAR 8
In a powerful display of compassion and community spirit, 4,124 participants gathered early Sunday morning at L. D. College of Engineering for the 24th Annual TTEC Wellness Walk, transforming a simple fitness activity into a meaningful movement for social change.
The event successfully raised ₹1.023 crore, which was donated to three non-governmental organisations working in areas of disability care, animal welfare and children’s education.
Thousands of enthusiastic Amdavadis participated in the initiative that featured a 4-km walk and a 7.5-km run, symbolising how collective action can turn everyday steps into meaningful contributions for society.
The walk was flagged off at 6:45 AM by Nilay Bhuptani, Principal of L. D. College of Engineering; social and environmental activist Mittal Patel, founder of Vicharta Samudaya Samarthan Manch; and Neeraj Suri, founder of Tara Foundation.
Three NGOs Benefiting from the Initiative
The funds raised this year will support the following organisations:
- Manav Parivar Trust, Nonghanvadar – Providing shelter, medical care and long-term rehabilitation for abandoned individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Shree Danev Foundation – Working for the welfare of stray birds and animals in Ahmedabad through rescue operations and veterinary treatment.
- Shwas Charitable Trust – Empowering children from underserved communities through academic mentoring and life-skills training.
International Women’s Day Adds a Special Touch
This year’s edition witnessed significantly higher participation from women, as the event coincided with International Women’s Day, celebrating 115 years of global advocacy for gender equality.
Participants said the walk symbolised not just health awareness but also solidarity with social causes and inclusive community action.
From Community Walk to City Movement
What began as a modest initiative in 2003 has grown into one of Ahmedabad’s most impactful community movements.
Over 24 editions, the event has:
• Supported 80 NGOs
• Raised ₹13.44 crore+ for social causes
• Mobilised 108,502 walkers
• Attracted support from 290 donors
In 2026, around 30 corporate partners supported the initiative. Importantly, all sponsorship cheques were written directly to the beneficiary NGOs, ensuring transparency in fund utilisation.
Corporate and Community Join Hands
This year’s walk was supported by leading organisations, including Airbnb and eBay as Platinum Sponsors, along with several other corporate partners and community collaborators.
Reflecting on the journey, Biju Pillai, Vice-President (Operations) at TTEC India, said the initiative has become a powerful symbol of collective goodwill.
Stride for society: Walkers gather at LD College ground as the city transforms a morning run into a movement for change. – NE photo
“What started as a simple idea to walk for a cause has grown into a remarkable movement of community giving. This year’s Wellness Walk was especially meaningful as we marked it as a women-led event on International Women’s Day, bringing together over 4,000 participants in support of important social causes.”
He added: “Over the past 24 years, this collective effort has now raised more than ₹13.44 crores for 80 NGOs and inspired over 108,502 walkers to come together for health, compassion, and positive change.”
For many participants, the event captured the true spirit of Ahmedabad — a city where generosity, health and community pride often walk hand in hand.
