Sense India concludes Deafblind Awareness Week with one of the city’s largest inclusion-focused cyclothon and walkathon at Sabarmati Riverfront
AHMEDABAD (India CSR): Ahmedabad came together for inclusion this morning as over 1,500 cyclists, walkers, families, corporate teams, schools, volunteers, and persons with deafblindness participated in the 12th edition of Messengers on Cycles 2026, organised by Sense International India (Sense India) at the Sabarmati Riverfront Event Centre.
Flagged off at 6:30 AM, the annual cyclothon and walkathon transformed the Riverfront into a vibrant celebration of inclusion, closing Deafblind Awareness Week (22–28 June) and drawing attention to the nearly 500,000 persons with deafblindness in India, many of whom continue to remain unseen and unsupported.
Held every year around the birth anniversary of Helen Keller and the International Day of Deafblindness (27 June), Messengers on Cycles has grown into one of Ahmedabad’s most recognised community events, bringing together people from all walks of life in support of persons with deafblindness.
Speaking on the occasion, Biju Mathew, Chief Operating Officer, Sense International India, said, “Messengers on Cycles is more than a sporting event. It is a powerful reminder that inclusion begins when communities come together. Seeing over 1,500 people ride and walk alongside persons with deafblindness today sends a strong message that everyone deserves to be seen, heard and included. We are grateful to every participant, volunteer, partner and supporter who made this day possible.”
Participants took part across multiple categories, including a 15 km Cyclothon for adults, 5 km Cyclothon for children, a 3 km Tricycle Ride, and a 5 km Walkathon, making the event accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
One of the most engaging attractions was the Deafblind Experience Zone, where participants experienced everyday activities while temporarily deprived of sight and hearing. The immersive activity offered a glimpse into the challenges faced by persons with deafblindness and sparked conversations on accessibility, communication, and inclusion.
The event also featured Bollywood Zumba, interactive games, community engagement activities, breakfast, and medal distribution, creating an energetic and inclusive atmosphere for participants and families.
Reflecting on the event’s journey over the years, Uttam Kumar, Chief Executive Officer, Sense International India, said, “Twelve years ago, Messengers on Cycles began as a small community initiative. Today, it has become a movement that brings together citizens, corporates, schools, volunteers and families in support of a cause that often remains invisible. Every participant today became a messenger for inclusion and helped amplify the voices of persons with deafblindness.”
Over the past 12 years, Messengers on Cycles has evolved from a local community gathering into one of Ahmedabad’s most visible awareness events for deafblindness. The event’s growing significance was reflected when the 10th edition was flagged off by Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel.
Proceeds from the event will support education, communication, rehabilitation, and inclusion programmes for children and adults with deafblindness across India.
Since its inception in 1997, Sense India has reached more than 84,000 individuals with deafblindness and multiple disabilities across 25 states, enabled over 63,500 children to access mainstream education, and strengthened support systems for thousands of families and caregivers through its network of partner organisations and service centres.
As Deafblind Awareness Week concluded, Sense India thanked participants, volunteers, sponsors, corporate partners, cycling groups, schools and supporters whose collective efforts made the 12th edition of Messengers on Cycles a resounding success.
