MUMBAI, APRIL 5^th, 2024 (GPN):  Breaking records and creating milestones once again! Tata Mumbai Marathon, Asia’s most prestigious marathon, has once again shown the power of human resolve and magnanimity as it raised a whopping Rs 72.39 crores for social causes through 268 NGOs.

The fund-raising marks a historic milestone in philanthropy and community engagement as the TMM continues to inspire individuals and organizations alike.

The event showcased the power of collective action for a better tomorrow.

It was United Way Mumbai that solidified its position as India’s largest sporting platform for philanthropy and a beacon of hope for the social sector.

In a remarkable display of generosity, 1157 fundraisers, 179 corporates, 24,083 individual donors and 12000+ runners joined forces to support 268 NGOs working across healthcare, education, animal welfare and environment, women empowerment, livelihood and social and civic and community development.

The beauty of Tata Mumbai Marathon is that it has consistently broken barriers, now totalling 429.60 crores in funds raised, benefiting 1000+ NGOs across various causes.

“The Tata Mumbai Marathon continues to be a catalyst for positive change combining in unison the power of sport and philanthropy. Through philanthropy, we can bridge gaps, empower communities and plant seeds of opportunity. It’s not just about the numbers or the money raised; it’s about the lives touched, impacted and the futures changed. Our sincere gratitude to United Way Mumbai for steering this pillar to success and congratulations to all our fundraisers for this monumental effort. Every milestone reached on this journey of compassion and empathy, heralds a brighter more inclusive world, reflecting the essence of humanity’s greatest endeavours.”

United Way Mumbai’s CEO George Aikara was all praise for the success of TMM 2024, emphasizing the exceptional commitment and belief demonstrated by participants.

“This edition of the Tata Mumbai Marathon has been the most extraordinary, record-breaking one we’ve ever witnessed. The philanthropic platform of the TMM is one of the most important and credible giving mediums, as evidenced by the large numbers of companies, NGOs, fundraisers and individuals who have chosen to give back to society.”

The year’s achievement underscores the unflinching commitment of participants and supporters towards driving positive change in society.

Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care shines bright at the Tata Mumbai Marathon’s Philanthropy Awards, securing numerous honours, including the prestigious award for the Highest Fundraising NGO for the 12th consecutive time!

With the continued grace of Shrimad Rajchandraji and blessings of Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji, the dedicated volunteers and supporters have propelled the cause to new heights.

The esteemed glittering ceremony of Tata Mumbai Marathon Philanthropy Awards 2024 was held at the Trident Hotel – Nariman Point, Mumbai, celebrated the organisation’s unwavering commitment to philanthropy and community service. Mihaan was among the three individuals under the age of 21 who were recognised as ‘young leaders’ for having raised a minimum of Rs 1 lakh at TMM’s 2024 edition.

At 18, Mihaan Gandhi Dhall is a change investor’. After running at the Tata Mumbai Marathon (TMM) in 2023 to raise funds for a school for children with disabilities called Jai Vakeel, Mihaan, who has Down Syndrome, trained hard with his exercise coach cum friend Rustom Warden to run faster and “without stopping for a snack on the way” at this year’s TMM to contribute to another NGO that works with children with disabilities called Ummeed Child Development Center.

“Press the fund button if you want to help kids with special needs and it’ll send the message to them that we support them in anything/everything they do since they also need to have a voice in this society,” wrote Mihaan on the the webpage of UnitedWayMumbai.org before TMM, going on to raise over Rs 6 lakh.

Since 2004, TMM has raised more than Rs 400 crore, through which over 1,000 NGOs have benefited across various causes. In the 2024 edition, as runners joined forces to support 268 NGOs working across healthcare, education, animal welfare and environment, women empowerment, livelihood, and social, civic and community development, the event set a new philanthropic record of raising over Rs 58 crore.

Apart from 179 corporate participants and 267 corporate teams, the altruistic mass included 1,650 Individuals who turned into human billboards for social causes spanning the removal of period stigma and education of the girl child to skin donation and the care of war wounded soldiers. Among them were 199

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“Change Runners” who raised over Rs 1.75 lakh.

Manisha Khemlani raised around Rs 10 crore individually for Chinmaya Mission while well-known ophthalmologist Dr Bijal Mehta teamed up with her daughter Dr Meera Mehta to raise more than Rs 5 crore. Sadashiv Rao, who has been fundraising for 13 years, raised a total of Rs 6.7 crore.

Last night, many of their efforts received recognition as the awards ceremony honoured the top five NGOs that cumulatively raised over Rs 42 crore, top three corporate teams that raised highest funds, top ten individuals who cumulatively raised over Rs 1 crore, top five individuals who cumulatively raised over Rs 50 lakh, and top seven individuals who cumulatively raised between Rs 25 lakh and Rs 49.99 lakh. The event also crowned five individuals who cumulatively raised Rs 50 lakh as ‘change icons’ and seven individuals who raised over Rs 25 lakh as ‘change champions’.

“Through philanthropy, we can bridge gaps, empower communities, and plant seeds of opportunity,” said Vivek Singh, Joint MD, Procam International.

All organisation and associates extended their heartfelt gratitude to Procam International, United Way Mumbai, and to all the incredible donors, corporate supporters, and fundraisers who have been pivotal in this journey of making a positive impact.Ends/ GPN