It has been nine years after Bengalureans joined hands together for a cause through Samarthanam, and till date they walk together with the same interest to promote issues relating to disability. With bright school children stepping out of schools, smartly dressed corporate officials and residents of the city, walking in the bylanes of namma Bengaluru, roughly 15,000 Bengalureans take the step to help people with disability.
The walk is organised to commemorate World Disability Day on December 7 and tries to help the general public understand the sentiments of disabled people. Kishore Joseph, the manager for the event says that it has made a marked difference in the attitude of the people. “The reason behind walking rather than having a conference or public speech, is that it gives people time to communicate and voice their opinion with fellow volunteers, and create a difference in that limited period of time.”
The walk begins from Kitooor Rani Chennamma stadium and ends at the public grounds and stretches for 3 and a half kilometres. Kishore adds, “These disabled children need an opportunity to prove themselves rather than sympathy, and that is the motive behind the initiative.” With a theme in place, this year the walk-athon is a fundraising platform to provide education and skill training for special children.
Kumaraswamy, who is part of the organising committee says, “This year the theme revolves around education; we are focusing on providing training to disabled children and help them to be independent. The funds that we collect are used to educate them independent.”
With social networking sites promoting the event, the walkathon has garnered quite some attention, and volunteers are pouring in from all sectors.
Divyasri Guptha, coordinator of the event says, “I have always wanted to be part of something like this but have not had the right avenue to do so. I am happy and feel responsible in taking my stand in such a cause, we are hoping for a large turnout of volunteers this year as corporate employees have come forward and shown their support.” To contribute for the event, register online at http://www.samarthanam.org-walkathon
Divyasri coordinator of Guptha, the event says, “I have always wanted to be part of something like this but have not had the right avenue to do so. I am happy and feel responsible in taking my stand in such a cause, we are hoping for a large turnout of volunteers this year as corporate employees have come forward and shown their support."
To contribute for the event, register online at http://www.samarthanam.org-walkathon
