NEW DELHI (India CSR): The Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon reached new heights this year, concluding with record participation from over 36,000 runners who united to support the #RunForZeroHunger initiative. Through its social impact arm, The Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF), Vedanta pledged to provide one meal for every kilometer run, resulting in a remarkable total of 10 million meals raised this year—double the amount from the previous year.
Nourishing Children and Animals
In the past two editions, contributions from runners provided 7 million meals to children enrolled in Nand Ghar, AAF’s flagship Women & Child Development project, which features modern Anganwadis. The foundation has also distributed 7.2 million multi-millet bars, contributing to a 15% reduction in cases of Severe Acute Malnutrition and a 12% reduction in Moderately Acute Malnutrition among Nand Ghar beneficiaries.
This year, AAF expanded its mission to include animals, recognizing the interconnected health of humans, animals, and the environment. The new Meals for All initiative aims to benefit animals through AAF’s animal welfare project, The Animal Care Organization (TACO), alongside children in nearly 6,500 Nand Ghars across 14 states in India.
Dignitaries and Celebrity Support
The event was inaugurated by Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director of Vedanta, alongside Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports Smt Raksha Nikhil Khadse, and Indian National Football Team Captain Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. Hebbar, who participated in the 10K run, emphasized the event’s significance, stating, “I am glad to have run and am humbled to contribute to the larger dream of combating malnourishment. With every kilometer run, we added to the number of meals provided for nourishing children and feeding animals. Together we have run for zero hunger.”
Community Engagement and Future Commitment
Valarie Allman, the current Paris Olympics 2024 Discus Throw Gold Medalist, served as the International Event Ambassador, inspiring participants. The Vedanta community also mobilized, with 36,000 members engaging in various activities to raise meals pledged by Vedanta across 19 business locations.
Participants received a unique Finisher’s medal made from high-grade zinc sourced from Zawar Mines in Udaipur, emphasizing Vedanta’s commitment to grassroots sports and social change. With the conclusion of the 19th edition of the Delhi Half Marathon, Vedanta looks forward to continuing its #RunForZeroHunger movement in future marathons across India.
