Kolkata: As race week unfolds for the landmark 10th edition of the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata, the city is witnessing not just a celebration of endurance running, but a powerful movement of collective compassion. Corporates, individual runners, and social organisations have together raised INR 32.12 lakh so far, reaffirming the race’s position as one of Eastern India’s most impactful sporting and philanthropic platforms.
With the support of 43 NGOs, over 26 individual fundraisers, 10 corporates, and thousands of donors, the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata continues to transform routine participation into ritual and legacy. Fundraising for this edition will remain open until 3 January 2026, with the funds supporting 12+ social causes aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The philanthropy initiative is led by Impact360 Foundation, the race’s Philanthropy Partner, which provides a cause-neutral platform empowering NGOs, corporates, young philanthropists, and individuals to drive meaningful social change.
Since 2014, the platform has enabled 75+ NGOs across East and North-East India to raise over INR 4.70 crore, positively impacting millions of lives. Beyond medals and personal bests, the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata has built a decade of difference, firmly etching Kolkata’s name on the global distance-running map.
Voices from the Movement
Commenting on this year’s philanthropy drive, Debashish Ray Choudhari, CEO, Impact360 Foundation, said:
“This year, TSW25K celebrates a Decade of Difference—ten years of championing participative sport across ages and abilities, while inspiring engagement in meaningful social causes. We are deeply humbled by the extraordinary support from corporates, NGOs, runners’ clubs, and individual donors. Together, we have surpassed contribution milestones of previous years, reflecting the collective passion that fuels this movement.”
At the press meet held on 16 December 2025, top fundraisers and inspiring changemakers shared deeply personal journeys that highlighted the power of collective action.
Ganga Basu, beneficiary at Paripurnata, shared:
“When I came to Paripurnata, I could hardly do daily chores. Today, I attend yoga and block-printing classes and feel confident about becoming independent. Being part of such a big platform and running here excites me immensely.”
Champions of Philanthropy: NGOs Making a Difference
The Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata supports a diverse range of organisations, including:
- Tata Medical Centre – Cancer care for underprivileged patients
- Dakshini Prayash – Education for underprivileged children
- Concern India Foundation – Education and empowerment for persons with disabilities
- Blue Star Foundation – Scholarships for higher education
- Human Development Centre – Water, sanitation, hygiene, and cataract surgeries
- Impact360 Foundation – Youth and women empowerment through skills and entrepreneurship
- Kolkata Sanved – Healing trauma through Dance Movement Therapy
- Paripurnata – Rehabilitation of mentally ill women
- LittleBigHelp – Education and empowerment in urban slums
- Rescue & Relief Foundation – Care and livelihoods for vulnerable youth and trafficking survivors
- ABK Memorable Trust – Support for children with special needs
- New Light – Rehabilitation of trafficking survivors and high-risk adolescent girls
Corporate Leaders Driving Impact
Several corporates have partnered with NGOs to support focused causes:
- Salarpuria Properties Pvt. Ltd. – Education for underprivileged children
- TITAN – Cancer care at Tata Medical Centre
- Blue Star Limited – Education and youth empowerment
- DCB Bank → Concern India Foundation – Education and inclusion
- mjunction → Tata Medical Centre – Cancer care support
- Gainwell → Human Development Centre – Water, health, hygiene, and cataract surgeries
- Tata Steel Downstream Products Limited → Tata Medical Centre – Cancer treatment
- TIL Tractors → Impact360 Foundation – Skills and entrepreneurship
- Eveready → LittleBigHelp – Urban youth and women empowerment
Inspiring Changemakers on the Run
Among the standout fundraisers and participants:
- Vikas Kumar, Café Executive at Opportunity Café (Rescue & Relief Foundation), overcame institutionalisation and labels of disability to build a dignified livelihood. He is running to raise funds for expanding Opportunity Café and supporting inclusive employment.
- Jhelum Sarkar, entrepreneur, yoga instructor, endurance runner, and cancer survivor, runs as a tribute to resilience and healing, embodying strength forged through discipline and courage.
- Sarah Tabish, Class 11 student, state-level basketball player, and child rights advocate, uses her participation to promote child safety awareness and empowerment.
- Urmi Basu, Founder and Executive Director of New Light, brings decades of grassroots work in preventing intergenerational trafficking and advancing gender equity, earning global recognition for her impact.
- Sarmistha Ghosh, Head of Corporate Communications and CSR at Gainwell Commosales Pvt. Ltd., continues to champion sustainable community development through strategic CSR initiatives.
Race Day Awaits
The Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata will be flagged off from the iconic Red Road on Sunday, 21 December 2025, bringing together runners, philanthropists, corporates, and communities in a celebration of sport with purpose.
As the city gears up for race day, the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata stands tall—not just as a world-class sporting event, but as a powerful catalyst for social transformation.
