BENGALURU, March 9, 2026 – Marking a decade and a half of social impact, Kanyathon 2026 successfully concluded its 15th edition, drawing over 13,000 participants across Bengaluru, Karjat, and Pilani. As India’s largest student-led charity run, the movement raised ₹65 lakh this year alone, reinforcing its commitment to the education, health, and digital literacy of girl children from underserved communities.
A Growing National Movement
What began in 2011 with a modest 400 participants has evolved into a nationwide force against gender inequality. Organised and executed entirely by students from IFIM Institutions, Jagdish Sheth School of Management (JAGSoM), and Vijaybhoomi University, the 2026 event saw:
- 10,000+ runners in Bengaluru.
- 2,000+ participants in Karjat.
- 1,000+ runners at BITS Pilani.
Endorsed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports under the Fit India Movement, Kanyathon has become a benchmark for experiential learning, where students manage large-scale logistics to drive ground-level social change.
Real-World Impact and Corporate Synergy
The funds raised in 2026—bolstered by corporate giants like Wipro, HP, Infosys, Biocon, and Deutsche Bank—support a wide array of life-changing interventions. Over the last 15 years, the initiative has impacted more than 3 lakh girls.
Key achievements include:
- Kanyathon Shiksha Kendras (KSKs): Nine centers across Karnataka and Maharashtra providing digital literacy, English proficiency, and hygiene education to over 1,000 students.
- Infrastructure & Health: Building washrooms in government schools, upgrading classroom facilities, and conducting menstrual hygiene awareness programs.
- Scholarships & Nutrition: Providing higher education scholarships to EWS students and partnering with The Akshaya Patra Foundation to ensure consistent mid-day meals.
“Kanyathon is not just a run; it is a movement in motion,” said Mrs. Kalpana Padode, Governing Board Member of Vijaybhoomi University. “With every step, a girl moves closer to dignity and the power to shape her own destiny.”
A Celebration of Inclusion
Coinciding with International Women’s Day celebrations, the event featured 3km walkathons, as well as 5km and 10km timed runs. Prof. Sudhirkumar Barai, Director of BITS Pilani, noted the significance of seeing young girls from underprivileged backgrounds participate alongside students and professionals, calling it a “meaningful celebration of dignity and inclusion.”
Looking ahead, Kanyathon aims to expand its reach to an additional 1,000 girls in the coming year, continuing its mission to bridge the gap in education and health for the next generation of women leaders.
About JAGSoM: The Jagdish Sheth School of Management (JAGSoM) is an AACSB-accredited institution dedicated to grooming future-ready, socially responsible leaders through industry-embedded and experiential learning.
