Deepalaya - Enabling Self-Reliance

A contingent of over 400 people represented Deepalaya at Delhi’s first International Marathon held on the 12th Feb, 2006. These included the physically and mentally challenged, students, teachers, social workers and volunteers.
The group participated in the 5 km Tiranga Run highlighting the cause of the challenged sections of the population. The world sees them as ‘disabled’ but for us they are ‘differently abled’ and are to seen as part of the mainstream society. And this message went across clearly as the physically and mentally challenged walked along with the rest of the population, raising slogans and carrying placards.
Deepalaya’s participation was well received by the Marathon organizers. We have a track record of participating in Marathons. At Mumbai Marathon (2004), Rtn. T.K. Mathew ran as a Dream Team Member and raised the highest amount of Rs.10.24 lakhs. The cause was for Street Children. In Oct 2005 Deepalaya participated in the Hutch Delhi Half Marathon. Running with the largest number of participants (740), Deepalaya raised approximately Rs.12 Lakhs; the highest amount collected by a single NGO. This amount was utilized for expanding our Girl Child Education Program. We also earned the distinction of the highest single amount of donation collected by one individual.(Rs. 1,00,000/-).
In the Hutch Delhi Half Marathon, 5 Dream Team members, namely Ms. Sharon Lowen, noted Odissi dancer; Ms. Annie Koshi, Principal St. Mary’s School; Rear Admiral R.C. Bhalla; Mr. Y Chackochan and Mr. Mathew participated on behalf of Deepalaya.