New Delhi, March 09, 2026: Kanyathon 2026, one of India’s largest student-led charity runs supporting girls’ education and empowerment, marked its 15th edition with participation from over 13,000 runners, walkers, students and volunteers across Bengaluru, Karjat and Pilani.
The event witnessed nearly 10,000 participants in Bengaluru, more than 2,000 in Karjat, and close to 1,000 runners at BITS Pilani, reflecting the scale the initiative has achieved since its inception. Organised and executed by students of IFIM Institutions, Jagdish Sheth School of Management (JAGSoM), and Vijaybhoomi University, Kanyathon has evolved from a campus initiative into a nationwide movement advocating for girls’ education and empowerment.
The initiative, endorsed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports under the Fit India Movement, has steadily expanded since its launch in 2011 with just 400 participants. In 2026 alone, the event raised approximately ₹65 lakh, supported by contributions from individuals and organisations including Wipro, HP, Timken, Biocon, Infosys, Siemens, Deutsche Bank, Brillio, Momentive, Sagility and Tech Mahindra.
Mrs. Kalpana Padode, Governing Board Member, Vijaybhoomi University, said, “Kanyathon is not just a run. It is a movement in motion. With every step you take, a girl moves closer to education, dignity, and the power to shape her own destiny. The journey that began with a simple belief that when people come together for a cause, real change begins. What started as a small initiative has today grown into a meaningful movement. More than 3 lakh girls have been impacted over the last 15 years, and together, we have supported NGOs, enabled EWS scholarships, uplifted daughters from red-light areas, established Kanyathon Shiksha Kendras, and built washrooms in government schools—bringing dignity, education, and opportunity where it is needed most.”
Over the years, Kanyathon has established nine Kanyathon Shiksha Kendras (KSKs) in government schools across Karnataka and Maharashtra, offering structured programmes in spoken English, computer literacy, and health and hygiene education. These centres currently benefit more than 1,000 students.
The initiative has also supported the development of computer laboratories, classroom upgrades and sanitation facilities in partner schools, addressing key infrastructure challenges that affect learning. In addition, Kanyathon provides higher education scholarships to meritorious girls from economically weaker sections.
Through its partnership with The Akshaya Patra Foundation, the programme also ensures mid-day meals for students at its centres, helping maintain regular attendance. Menstrual hygiene awareness programmes are conducted alongside educational interventions to support adolescent girls’ health and school retention.
Prof. Sudhirkumar Barai, Director, BITS Pilani, said, “Kanyathon at BITS Pilani was a meaningful celebration of women’s empowerment on International Women’s Day. It was especially heartening to see the participation of young girls from underprivileged communities, making the event not just symbolic but truly impactful. We are proud to collaborate on an initiative that reflects dignity, inclusion and the power of education-led change.”
This year’s event featured 3 km walkathons, 5 km and 10 km timed runs, pro runs, family runs and community fitness activities, encouraging participation from people of all age groups. With growing corporate support, Kanyathon plans to extend its programmes to reach around 1,000 more girls in the coming year, while continuing to expand its work in education, digital literacy and health awareness for underserved communities.
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