16th May, Bengaluru 2023: The Tata Consultancy Services World 10K is back and yet again Bengalureans have shown their ‘heart of gold’ by raising funds for causes that are dear to them. The philanthropy pillar for the TCS World 10K Bengaluru is driven by aidbees, the Social Kindness platform, this year. The social sector welcomes this platform as it provides an opportunity to get back on track with fundraising and involving all stakeholders of society.
Over the years, there has been a phenomenal growth and the event now stands unsurpassed and unchallenged as the single largest charity raising platform in south India. The 2023 edition of the event has till date raised INR 1.75+ crore in six weeks benefitting 78 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs/ NGOs).
PHILANTHROPY IN 2023
This year has been all about regrouping and ensuring regular programs stay on course. While the event will have regulars participating and fundraising, many new CSOs/ NGOs are participating for the first time, reaching out to civil society and raising funds for children, women, LGBT community and the differently abled, among others
Rashmie Kumar, Founder Director, aidbees, said, “The joy of running and the dedication to make a difference could not be more visible than by the tremendous turnout and the sale of the bibs. Bengaluru was sold out! First time ever.
“The TCS World 10K Bengaluru helps the NGOs in building visibility in society and effectively maximising their donor base. The NGOs working for various causes are able to showcase their efforts and collect funds. This year, 78 NGOs have registered for the run and they’ve received funds of INR 1.75+ crore so far. Individuals and companies are super excited to run and support their chosen cause. aidbees is honoured to be associated with the event and we want to thank each donor who has contributed towards social welfare through us in this year’s edition!”
Continuing with their Runner’s Pledge initiative – the event’s Associate Sponsor, IDFC FIRST Bank has pledged to contribute INR 1,000 to non-profits for every participant who completes 10K within 1 hour and 15 minutes. The pledge enables qualifying participants to choose from a wide array of social causes and non-profits supported by the bank.
Vivek B Singh, Jt MD, Procam International, said: “Distance running and philanthropy are indelibly linked, and the people of Bengaluru have always been incredibly generous when it concerns social issues and greater good. Our runners and partners have turned the TCS World 10K Bengaluru into the largest sports philanthropy partner in south India. aidbees joins us this year as a philanthropic partner and has already made a great start, raising INR 1.75 crore.”
Present during the occasion was Gautham CB, raising funds for Neonates, Somnath Bhagavatula from Atkins Global, the highest contributing corporate for Right to Live and Young leaders Kiva and Sahaj.
Gautham CB, currently the top fundraiser for the TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2023 is running for Neonates Foundation of India with a target of INR 10 lakh. He has over 22 years of experience in Hospital administration, Business management, Advertising, Brand and Marketing management across different industry verticals.
His specialties are Growth and Strategy and innovation in the hospital and healthcare industry. He is the Regional Head, West and North India of the Motherhood Hospitals and an MBA graduate from IIM Bangalore.
WS Atkins India Pvt. Ltd., a group company of SNC-Lavalin Group Inc., Canada, is primarily engaged in rendering Engineering Design and Consultancy services. For the 15th edition of the TCS World 10K, Atkins is supporting Right To Live (Kote Foundation). Atkins has been involved in various philanthropic activities for many years. They have been connected with and supporting initiatives focusing on education, disability, sustainability, community development etc. On the intersection of running and fundraising, Somnath Bhagavatula - VP, Human Resources, Atkins Global, said, “We often associate running with sport, but when you start associating it with a cause, it brings life to the event. It gives a runner that extra layer of motivation to challenge themself. This is a very special initiative and I believe it will grow exponentially in the years to come.”
The Tale of two young superstars: Kiva Mehta and Sahaj Mehta
SR Love and Care also has two of the youngest fundraisers raising funds for the welfare of tribal women at the TCS World 10K – Kiva Mehta and Sahaj Mehta, both aged 6 and have raised 1.5 Lakhs each. The siblings spoke about their inspiration towards fundraising, “we wanted to fundraise for tribal women in Gujarat as they are less fortunate. We made videos and shared with family and friends, so that they can also help raise money for this cause.”
The twins’ parents – Asheesh Mehta and Jashel Mehta have been a part of the Shrimad Rajchandra Mission and have been associated with the NGO for many years. Both Asheesh and Jashel have participated in the previous editions of the TCS World 10K, Bengaluru and have been fundraising for SR Love and Care. Their involvement in the Run dates to 2013.
