Bengaluru, 03,2024 – 
Arogya City Bengaluru, a pioneering collective effort that began in 2022, to help address Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the city, celebrated a significant milestone today with the successful completion of its initial two-year cycle. 22 dedicated Pledgemakers achieved remarkable success, reaching more than 1 million citizens across Bengaluru with their health interventions over the last two years. In addition education materials were distributed to more than 1 million people. The accomplishments were celebrated at a summit hosted at Mount Carmel College, also a Pledgemaker, with the Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka, Dinesh Gundu Rao, attending as the Chief Guest. Her Highness Pramoda Devi Wadiyar graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour, presenting awards to Pledgemakers, and Dr. Sudarshan Ballal, Chairman of Manipal Hospitals, delivered an inspiring keynote address.
Dinesh Gundu Rao, Hon’ble Minister for Health, Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka, expressed his support for the movement, stating, “Non-Communicable Diseases are growing rapidly across India, and tackling this epidemic one city at a time is a smart approach. The Government of Karnataka is committed to supporting Arogya City’s vision for transforming Bengaluru into India’s First Arogya City.”
Her Highness Pramoda Devi Wadiyar said, “While collective action from organizations is needed, it is equally important for each one of us to individually commit to leading a healthier life. If all of us take personal steps towards health as individuals, it will result in healthier families and a healthier Bengaluru”.
Dr. Sudarshan Ballal, Chairman of Manipal Hospitals, supporting the cause said, “The focus on disease prevention and healthy living, the creation of wellness efforts rather than treating illness in the Arogya City approach, is vital for our society. I am impressed with the sense of responsibility and commitment shown by the many Pledgemakers. We need large numbers of organizations to join the movement and make more collective impact.”
Dr. Nalini Saligram, Founder and CEO of Arogya World, remarked, “We commend our 2022 Pledgemakers for surpassing their collective goal. Improving the health of our people is a long journey, and we are thrilled to see the ground swell of momentum with the many new Pledgemakers all joining hands to make our beloved Bengaluru a healthier city.”
A process assurance report, capturing the collective efforts made by the Pledgemakers, was unveiled by Sattva Consulting. The report details the processes and achievements of the Pledgemakers towards promoting healthier lifestyles and disease prevention in the city.
In addition, summit attendees also celebrated more than 30 new Pledgemakers who announced public pledges today, committing to improve the health of citizens in measurable ways, over the next two years. This collaborative movement, supported by strategic partners Arogya World, Rotary, and the Bangalore Political Action Committee (BPAC), aspires to transform Bengaluru into India’s first “Arogya City” – a model city for health and wellness. Corporates, NGOs, entrepreneurs, and educational institutions across the city have embraced this challenge, with supportive endorsements from government entities as well.
Arogya World, the initiative’s secretariat, is now actively working to expand the movement, both in Bengaluru as well as by taking it to other cities with the support of new partners Catalyst 2030 and Indiaspora. A Playbook has been developed to guide other cities interested in implementing similar health-focused initiatives.
The Arogya City movement aims to prevent and control NCDs, foster mental well-being, and leverage technology to create a healthier future. A key aspect is the public Pledges by a number of organizations, who voluntarily implement health projects throughout the city in two-year cycles. According to a 2021 World Economic Forum (WEF) whitepaper, 43% of Bengalureans suffer from obesity, and a staggering 65% do not engage in regular physical activity, underscoring the urgency of this initiative. In addition to health implications, NCDs significantly impact personal financial stability and the city’s economic growth.
Mr. K Jairaj, IAS (Retd), serves as Chairman of the Advisory Committee for Arogya City Bengaluru, with project leadership provided by Archana Raaj from Arogya World.
For the 2024-26 Pledgemakers, please see https://arogyacity.in/pledgemakers-2024-26/#
For the 2022-24 Pledgemakers please see https://arogyacity.in/pledgemakers-2022-24/
