15,000 for Samarthanam's Great Walkathon -2008

December 6, Bangaloreans showed that when it comes to a cause, they are ready and willing to walk the talk. Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled's Great Walkathon saw over 15,000 participants taking enthusiastic part in the event at Kanteerava Stadium, comprising a galaxy of film stars, sports personalities, politicians, IT professionals, students and senior citizens.

The participants also paid their homage to the martyrs and victims of the Mumbai terror attack.
Among the dignitaries included Kailash, senior BJP leader and MLC, Nagashekhar, Aramane, film director, Mylarappa, Director, Bangalore University, Vishwa, actor,  Srinagar Kitty, Diwakar Gupta, Jt. MD, Raj Rajkumar, MD, ADC Telecommunication, Pratha, HTMT, CEO, Sudesh Venkatesh, HR, Tesco and Lance Thronewood, Target. More than 400 volunteers manned the traffic and ensured the rally went off smoothly all through the 3.5 km route. This was followed by a cultural show by the extremely talented blind artists of Samarthanam and renowned corporate bands.

Later, Sri Kailash released a souvenir of Samarthanam.
The walkathon aimed to sensitize the public about the plight and hardships of the differently-abled. This is the fourth year that the trust has conducted this charity walk in aid of visually-impaired, physically-challenged, and economically backward children. This year is also the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, making the commemoration of World Disabled Day all the more relevant. At least 10 percent of the world's population is estimated to be differently-abled, with a majority of this population living in the developing countries.