In a heart-warming gesture that reflects the spirit of Kolkata, an impressive INR 61 lakhs has been raised for charity at the sixth edition of Tata Steel Kolkata 25K, the world’s only IAAF Silver Label race to be held on 15 December 2019. This mass participation event is today one of the largest sporting platforms for Philanthropy in East India.

40 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) along with others have proved once again that TSK25K is not just about running but also a celebration of triumph and victory of the human spirit over all odds through philanthropy; a festival that celebrates the people of Kolkata and resonate the ethos #FeelTheSpirit.

Philanthropy, an integral part of the race has grown biggerevery year through concerted efforts of the CSOs, NGOs and individuals. Since inception the event has raised Rs 3.05 crores.

In 2019 edition of TSK25K, 40 CSOs have registered with India Cares Foundation, the event’s Philanthropy Partner, with 17 companies and 5 Care Champions, raising a total of Rs 61 lakh till date.CSOs working in remote areas for causes like Education, Skills Development, Disability, Women Empowerment, Health, Girl Child, Environmental Conservation and Community Development have come together to make this happen.

’’TSK25K has grown in every sense with each edition and has become synonymous with the vibrant spirit of the city. The East of India has not only embraced the magic of running but also established a deep connection between Distance Running and Philanthropy. The city has contributed with open hearts to raise funds and help create a positive impact in society.  We are truly thankful to all the fund raisers and India Cares Foundation for spearheading this philanthropy pillar” said Vivek Singh, Jt. MD., Procam International.

This year on Race Day, children from Calcutta International School will be buddies in the Champions with Disability category for their counterparts from The Oral School for the Deaf. Employees of Hyatt will be running with the children of Ektara. Nine tribal women from Shantiniketanwill be part of the Ananda run, in their tribal costumes raising awareness for theirproducts and art form with BolpurUkilpattySuchetana.

Charity and contributions will keep coming till 30 December 2019 at https://icfn.in/TSK25K/

USP’s of TSK25K Philanthropy Platform

• The platform is cause-agnostic.It is left to the choice of a runner/fundraiser/donor to whom his/her donation needs to go – this creates a strong affinity between the fundraiser and the NGO/CSO for whom the efforts are directed.
• The direct cost of fundraising is the lowestin the country
• Fundraising is encouraged through ‘pledges’. This increases the reach of philanthropy, beyond just the participants, the city, and country.
• A transparent medium– every rupee raised is accounted for by India Cares Foundation and a docket is created where funds raised by every NGO, individual and company is documented for posterity.

Panelists– TSK25K 2019

Dipankar Sarkar – Secretary and Chief Functionary, Noah’s Ark, Calcutta. A first time participating CSO at TSK, they work for youth, especially young girls, providing training and counselling to get them job ready. They also run a school for intellectually challenged children for which they are raising funds through TSK

Nandita Palchoudhuri– for Ektara. Nandita is a social entrepreneur Curating and Consulting internationally, in the field of Indian Folk Art Craft and Performance Practices. Ektara runs a school for children in the slums of Tangra serving 700 children

Sonali & a beneficiary representing Motivation India – The CSO provides customised wheelchairs to the disabled people, this year they are providing 54 wheelchairs to People with Disability and sponsoring their CWD participation. The beneficiary at the panel has been give the wheelchair last year at TSK.