Kolkata, 16th December 2025: As race week begins for the landmark 10th edition of the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata, the race has transformed routine into ritual and difference into legacy, firmly cementing its place as the rising sun in the East. With the support of 43 NGOs, 26+ individual fundraisers, and 10 corporates, alongside thousands of donors, the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata has raised INR 32.12 lakh for charity so far, as the event continues to strive to make a meaningful difference. Fundraising for this edition will continue until January 3, 2026.
Led by the Impact360 Foundation, the Philanthropy Partner has consistently strengthened its charitable impact by offering a cause-neutral platform that supports a wide range of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It enables individuals, young philanthropists, and corporates to become part of a larger movement for social change, while empowering NGOs to drive meaningful impact.
Since 2014, the platform has enabled over 75+ NGOs working with various causes across the North East and East of India to raise INR 4.70+ crores, positively impacting millions of lives. Its legacy has not just transcended medals or personal bests; it has created a decade of difference through the generosity it has sparked, the communities it has lifted, and the pride it has instilled. It is a movement that has etched Kolkata’s name on the global distance-running map.
Commenting on the philanthropy drive for this edition, Debashish Ray Choudhari, CEO, of Impact360 Foundation, said, “This year, TSW25K celebrates a 'decade of difference’, ten years of championing participative sport across ages and abilities, while inspiring widespread engagement in meaningful social causes through its philanthropic platform. As the event’s philanthropic partner, we are deeply humbled by the extraordinary support from corporates, social impact organizations, runners’ clubs, and individual donors. Together, we have surpassed the contribution milestones of the last few years, reflecting the collective passion that fuels this movement.
At the press meet held on 16th December 2025, the panellist, who are among the top fundraisers and inspiring changemakers, shared their journeys and experiences. NGOs, corporate leaders, individuals, and young leaders spoke about their motivations and the impact of fundraising, highlighting how collective action can drive meaningful social change.
Ganga Basu, Beneficiary at Paripurnata "When I came to Paripurnata, i could hardly do any daily chores. But now I not only do chores but do various classes like Yoga, block printing. I am sure I can be independent in future. And I am very excited to be on such a big platform and I am running”.
Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata: Champions of Philanthropy
NGOs Making a Difference
· Tata Medical Centre – Supporting cancer care for underprivileged patients in Kolkata.
· Dakshini Prayash – Providing educational support to underprivileged children.
· Concern India Foundation – Enabling education for underprivileged children and empowering persons with disabilities.
· Blue Star Foundation – Offering scholarships for underprivileged students to pursue higher education.
· Human Development Centre – Ensuring access to safe water, sanitation, hygiene, and supporting cataract surgeries.
· Impact360 Foundation – Empowering youth and women through industry-relevant skills and entrepreneurial training.
· Kolkata Sanved addresses violence & trauma faced by women through their dance Movement Therapy
· Paripurnata conducts rehabilitation of mentally ill women
· LittleBigHelp – Transforming lives of underprivileged youth and women in urban slums through education, protection, and empowerment programs.
· Rescue & Relief Foundation – Supporting orphaned youth with intellectual disabilities and survivors of trafficking through care, skill training, and livelihood opportunities.
· ABK Memorable Trust – Supporting children with special needs through education, therapy, and developmental interventions.
· New Light – Protecting and rehabilitating survivors of human trafficking and high-risk adolescent girls through shelter, education, and empowerment.
Corporate Leaders
· Salarpuria Properties Pvt. Ltd. – Supporting education for underprivileged children.
· TITAN – Funding cancer care at Tata Medical Centre.
· Blue Star Limited – Supporting education and youth empowerment initiatives.
· DCB Bank → Concern India Foundation – Enabling education and empowerment for children and differently-abled youth.
· mjunction → Tata Medical Centre – Strengthening cancer care support.
· Gainwell → Human Development Centre – Water, health, hygiene, and cataract surgery support.
· Tata Steel Downstream Products Limited → Tata Medical Centre – Supporting cancer treatment for underserved patients.
· TIL Tractors → Impact360 Foundation – Empowering youth and women with skills and entrepreneurship.
· Eveready → LittleBigHelp – Supporting underprivileged youth and women in urban slums.
Individuals & Young Leaders
· Jhelum Sarkar – Raising funds for Tata Medical Centre, supporting cancer care.
· Adv. Sidhant Ghosh – Supporting Rescue & Relief Foundation for orphaned youth and survivors of trafficking.
· Hiya Chatterjee – Fundraising for Rescue & Relief Foundation’s skill development programs.
· Mohammad Lutful Kabir – Raising funds for Paripurnita, supporting mentally ill women.
· Sarah Tabish (Young Leader) – Supporting Lions Club of Kolkata Lightworkers, empowering children against sexual abuse.
Sarah Tabish, Youngest fund raiser and basketball player- "While doing my work I realised child sexual abuse is a topic that is most under reported and uncomfortable to talk about. So the funds we are raising through this initiative will go directly to the organisation that work with children who face sexual abuse at an early age. Due to the trauma, they need counselling, rehabilitation and it should not be for short term, but to help them regain their confidence, stability, health and dignity."
Vivek Singh, Jt MD, Procam International, said, “As the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata continues, it demonstrates how distance running and philanthropy are deeply rooted over the years in driving meaningful social change. We are grateful to our Philanthropy partner, Impact360 Foundation, along with our NGOs, fundraisers, runners, and citizens, whose collective efforts reflect a positive impact on the communities they serve. The consistent support of the community encourages everyone to take a step forward for the larger good and contribute to lasting change in society.”
Panellist
Adv. Sidhant Ghosh, Individual Fundraiser; Sarah Tabish, Young Leader; Jhelum Sarkar, Individual Fundraiser; and Vikas Kumar, representing the Rescue and Relief Foundation. They will be joined by Urmi Basu, Founder and Executive Director of New Light and Debashish Ray Chowdhary, Chief Executive Officer of Impact360 Foundation as fellow panellists.
Adv. Sidhant Ghosh is a practicing advocate at the Calcutta High Court and the Founder of the Rescue and Relief Foundation (RRF), one of India’s leading independent intervention forces for vulnerable children, survivors of trafficking, and young adults with intellectual disabilities. A social activist since 2010, he founded RRF in 2013 to deliver sustainable, long-term solutions beyond institutional care.
Under his leadership, RRF supports 800+ beneficiaries annually and, in the last 18 months, has enabled the rescue of 600+ minor girls and the arrest of 80+ traffickers.
Vikas Kumar is a Café Executive at Opportunity Café, a non-profit social enterprise of the Rescue and Relief Foundation in Kolkata. Raised in a Child Care Institution and once labelled “intellectually disabled,” he defied limitations through training at the Opportunity Skills Academy, gaining expertise in culinary arts, customer service, and interpersonal skills.
Today, Vikas earns a dignified livelihood and serves as a role model for inclusive employment. A passionate advocate for inclusion, he is participating in the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata to raise funds for expanding Opportunity Café, including its upcoming third branch to support more transitioning adults.
Jhelum Sarkar is an entrepreneur, yoga instructor, endurance runner, and cancer survivor and a proud mother of two. Her journey reflects a belief that strength is built through resilience, discipline, and the courage to rise again.
Since 2020, she has trained under renowned runner Satish Gujaran, embracing endurance running as a tribute to a healed body and an unyielding spirit.
Sarah Tabish is a Class 11 student at Modern High School for Girls, a state-level basketball player, and a committed advocate for child rights. Trained as a facilitator for child sexual abuse awareness, she believes in the power of early conversations and education. Inspired by open guidance from her mother on body safety, Sarah uses her voice to promote protection, prevention, and empowerment, working to create a safer world for children.
Urmi Basu is the Founder and Executive Director of New Light, a pioneering organisation working since 2000 to prevent intergenerational trafficking and advance gender equity through shelter, education, healthcare, and community-led development. Her grassroots work with women and children in red-light districts has earned global recognition, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Unsung Heroes of Compassion Award (2009) and a feature in the PBS documentary Half the Sky.
Sarmistha Ghosh is a seasoned corporate communications leader with over 20 years of experience across manufacturing, financial services, consumer products, and technology. As Head of Corporate Communications and CSR at Gainwell Commosales Private Limited—Caterpillar’s partner in India since 1944—she drives brand reputation, strategic storytelling, and impactful CSR initiatives focused on sustainable community development.
The Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata will be flagged off from iconic Red Road on Sunday, 21st December 2025.
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