More than 10,000 runners gathered at Gachibowli Stadium as Seva Bharathi Telangana successfully concluded the milestone 10th edition of its annual flagship event, ‘Run for a Girl Child’.
The event, conducted in 5K, 10K and 21K categories, marked a decade of efforts aimed at transforming lives through education, healthcare and skill development. Organised with the support of Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils, PalTech, GlobalData and 75 other corporate partners, the initiative continues to focus on empowering girls from underprivileged and economically weaker sections of society.
The 10th-anniversary run was officially flagged off by a panel of distinguished guests, including legendary Indian cricketer and former captain of the women’s national team Mithali Raj; Smt. Hari Chandana, District Collector, Hyderabad; P. Chandra Shekhara Reddy, Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils; Rahul Bhatia, Managing Director, GlobalData; Smt. Shanti Palreddy, Co-Founder, PalTech; Dr. Sumalatha, Vice President, Seva Bharathi; along with other corporate dignitaries and members of the organisation’s leadership.
The event served as a platform to raise awareness about the socio-economic upliftment required for girls living in urban slums.
Mithali Raj lauded the initiative, stating, “Seeing thousands of Hyderabadis run today for this cause is truly inspiring. Seva Bharathi’s work in the slums is crucial; empowerment isn’t just about financial aid, it’s about giving these girls the confidence and the platform to lead. This run is a massive step toward an equitable future where every girl can be a champion.”
Smt. Hari Chandana, District Collector, Hyderabad, added, “This 10th edition marks a significant milestone in our city’s journey toward women empowerment. This event is not just a fundraiser but a vital awareness movement. By focusing on the empowerment of the girl child in our most vulnerable communities, we are building a stronger, more inclusive nation.”
P. Chandra Shekhara Reddy, Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils, said, “Our decade-long association with Seva Bharathi Telangana reflects our firm belief that investing in the education and holistic development of a girl child is one of the most meaningful contributions to nation building. At GEF India, we see ‘Run for a Girl Child’ as a sustained commitment toward inclusive growth. A girl’s education has the power to transform families and the nation. Every step taken today helps provide a girl with the education and confidence she deserves.”
Jayaprada Devi, Joint Secretary, Seva Bharathi Telangana, stated, “Over the last ten years, the ‘Run for a Girl Child’ has positively impacted the lives of more than 35,000 girls. Every registration today directly contributes to continuing this legacy by enabling access to the tools these girls need to build independent and successful future.”
Chetan Pimpalkhute, General Manager – Marketing, Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils, added, “This initiative aligns closely with our philosophy of promoting healthy living alongside social responsibility. By connecting fitness with empowerment, we have created a platform where every participant becomes part of a larger mission.”
The successful completion of the 10th edition reinforced the event’s role as a sustained community-driven movement supporting the long-term empowerment and development of the girl child.
