07th April, 2019, Bengaluru: On the eve of World Health Day, AIKYA in partnership with Akshaya Patra organized the first Namma Bengaluru’s Youth Move-A-Thon at Freedom Park, Bengaluru. The Move-A-Thon, first of its kind in Namma Bengaluru, had over 1000 participants, included runners, cyclists, walkers, joggers, and skaters, showcasing their support and spreading awareness about good health practices among youth and children.
The event was flagged off by Ms. Harshika Poonacha – Indian Actress & Ms. Wanitha Ashok – Bangalore’s Fitness Expert and Youth Icon. Also present at the event were Mr. Shridhar Venkat, CEO, The Akshaya Patra Foundation and Shri Mohan Chaitanya Dasa, Head-AIKYA. MS Ramaiah Memorial Hospital served as the health partner for the event.
Befitting the theme ‘World Health Day,’ the initiative was aimed at spreading awareness about good health practices among youth and children. As a continuation of this event, AIKYA will undertake a mega campaign to train 25,000 Government school children about good health practices and cleanliness.
Enthusiastic youngsters covered a distance of 3KM starting from Freedom Park to Ambedkar Veedhi via Vidhana Soudha. The Move-A-Thon saw participation from various universities and corporates houses in Bengaluru.
At the flag off, Mr. Shridhar Venkat said “We are overwhelmed to witness so many enthusiastic people coming forward to support the cause on the eve of World Health Day. Their participation serves to inspire and encourage us in our humble attempt to spread awareness about good health practices among children.” He further added, “I would like to thank Ms. Wanitha Ashok & Ms. Harshika Poonacha for being present here and showing solidarity to this cause. We are also grateful to M. S. Ramaiah Hospital, for their valuable support as the Health Partner for this event.”
The dignitaries present at the event expressed their delight to see so many people actively associating themselves with a cause. They stressed on the importance of physical fitness in people’s lives and the crucial role of community engagement when it comes to social causes, especially the welfare and development of children—the future of the country.