Kolkata : East India’s biggest running festival, the Tata Steel Kolkata 25K 2022, celebrated Sport, Art & Giving at the Oberoi Grand in Kolkata on Thursday, 13th April.
TSK 25K is the only World Athletics Elite Label 25K road race in the world and this edition of the event was ushered in with Notun Josh. TSK 25K is etched in the city’s ethos and has become one of the most-awaited events on the city’s sporting calendar, bringing together 15,000+ in a festival of oneness, healthy living and inspiring the joy of giving.
Chanakya Chaudhary, Vice President-Corporate Services, Tata Steel, said, “The seventh edition of TSK 25K ushered in Notun Josh for the 15,000+ runners from the City of Joy. The event helped raise INR 19.37 lakh for charity. Signature events such as our marathons and other sporting activities are infused with our deep-rooted corporate philosophy, one that embraces the spirit of encouragement and adopts initiatives aimed at patronizing sporting pursuits in society. Hence, the Art for Sports initiative has motivated the art fraternity in Kolkata to nurture another form of art…the one that involves giving! As a Company, we intend to continue this noble cause, going forward.”
Shri Debasish Kumar, MLA and MMIC – KMC, said, “Tata Steel 25K marathon is not an event for a day but it is an event for the mankind that promotes health and fitness in the city.”
Distance Running & Philanthropy
Distance Running and philanthropy are indelibly linked, and over the years the TSK 25K has inspired the citizenry to go beyond oneself for the larger good. The successful seventh edition, ably supported by philanthropy partner United Way Kolkata, raised INR 19.37 lakh for charity, with a total of 22 NGOs taking part for a variety of causes.
Eleven Corporate donor partners participated, while a clutch of inspiring Individuals also raising funds. An impressive turnout of 350 Corporate runners came together, to raise funds for the NGOs.
Cause Neutrality, Transparency, Accountability & Sustainability are the principles of the Tata Steel Kolkata 25K’s philanthropy pillar. A docket has been published accounting for the funds raised and was unveiled by all the dignitaries present and Tata Steel.
WINNERS OF TSK 25K 2022
NGOs
· Highest Fundraising NGO: The Tata Medical Center (TMCT) – ₹ 7,00,000
· 2nd Highest Fundraising NGO: Concern India Foundation – ₹ 5,00,000
Change Maker
· Highest Fundraising Individual: Subrata Barman – ₹ 76,722 for Trilochanpur Association for Development in Social Welfare
Young Philanthropist
· Highest Fundraising Youngsters: Anuska Prakash and Arjun Prakash - ₹ 36,000 for Future Hope Foundation
Dinesh Agarwal, President of the Society for United Way of Kolkata, expressed his enthusiasm for the Tata Steel Kolkata 25K and the event's success, saying: “The day brought hope for new beginnings, especially after the world survived a global pandemic. The sheer enthusiasm of the participants was extremely inspiring. We feel proud to be the philanthropy partner of this platform. It is an empowering feeling to see like-minded people coming together for the greater good, which aligns with the vision of United Way Kolkata.”
Naarayan TV, CMO, IDFC FIRST Bank, said, “Marathons have steadily gained popularity over the years and IDFC FIRST Bank has been proudly associated with marathons across the country as they align with one of the Bank’s core pillars of Social Good. The Tata Steel Kolkata 25K celebrates the enthusiasm of the City of Joy by bringing together people and NGOs on the same platform. IDFC FIRST Bank partners with programs across education, health, women empowerment, entrepreneurship, livelihood, and sanitization. With the Runners’ Pledge, IDFC FIRST Bank aims to enable marathoners support a cause close to their hearts. The larger association with a participative sport like the marathon represents the Bank’s commitment to inclusion across all levels.”
Art for Sports
Instituted in 2014, this initiative has galvanized the art community in Kolkata in support of various causes at the Tata Steel Kolkata 25K, under the mentorship of renowned artist, the late Washim Kapoor. Every year, over 40 artists draw their rendition of what they see and feel at the finish line of the event.
Culminating this year’s success, and as a tribute to the late Washim Kapoor, 25 artists brought alive the colors and spirit of Kolkata. Eminent painter and sculptor Debasish Mallick Choudhury curated the art.
The special Art for Sports workshop was judged by Hon’ble MP & eminent painter Jogen Chowdhury, eminent painters Samir Aich and Sanatan Dinda and Debasish Mallick Choudhury.
Achintya Bhattacharya, Arighna Saha and Moumita Dey were announced as the winners and received cash prizes of INR 50,000, INR 30,000 and INR 15,000 respectively.
Vivek Singh, Jt MD of race promoter Procam International, said: “The beauty of the Tata Steel Kolkata 25K lies in its ability to transcend sport — through art, charity, inspiring larger good — and touch people’s lives in significantly different ways. The last few years have been challenging for all, and it’s commendable that the citizens have opened their hearts and raised funds for causes they believe in.”
He further said, “The Art for Sports initiative exemplifies this great city’s passion, and it was heartwarming to witness these budding artists bring alive the spirit of Kolkata in a tribute to the late Washim Kapoor. My heartfelt gratitude to one and all. It’s only the power of the collective that helped us put together yet another successful edition of the event.”
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