Sunday, 19 February 2023, morning, the newly revamped Rajpath, renamed as Kartavya Path, came alive with the buzz, smiles, and footsteps of thousands of people gathered to take part in CanSupport Walk for Life-Stride against Cancer 2023 event. The event was held in association with PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Since early morning, 5 am, Kartavya Path could be seen busy with CanSupport staff and volunteers setting up the venue.

More than 5000 people that included corporates, institutions, schools, colleges and individuals came to join in the biggest cancer awareness Walkathon in Delhi – this being the 16th Walk that commemorates World Cancer Day not only lived up to its spirit but also saw greater enthusiasm and energy this year than ever before!

Starting with an energizing performance by the Djembe Circle group members playing their Djembe drums and some Zumba moves by Sai Aerobics that warmed up everyone, Zuleikha of The Storydancer project touched everyone’s hearts with her mesmerizing dance performance. The final dance performance by cancer patients who come to CanSupport’s Day Care was the most moving and inspiring.

The chief guest at the event was Dr Randeep Guleria, former Director of AIIMS, Delhi and Chairman of Internal Medicine, Respiratory & Sleep Medicine at Medanta, Gurugram. The guest of Honour was - Dr Anand Prakash Maheshwari - Former Head of the largest paramilitary force in the world - The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest Dr Randeep Guleria, Chairman, Institute of Internal Medicine and Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Medanta, congratulated CanSupport for its brilliant work and said that the Walkathon is significant as this prompts us to get back on course in terms of palliative care and early diagnosis & prevention of cancer especially after the Pandemic.

Harmala Gupta, Founder-President of CanSupport said, “CanSupport’s Walk for Life began with the intention of breaking the silence, isolation and myths around cancer. Today, it is a joyous event as young and old and those living with cancer walk, run and dance together in a defiant spirit of celebration”.

The Walk was flagged off by Dr Randeep Guleria. It was a sight to behold as one large group of participants followed by another, like wave upon wave, holding cancer awareness placards and shouting “We support CanSupport”.

At the event, CanSupport honoured Cipla Foundation by awarding them CanSupport Walk for Life 2023 Golden Scroll that was received by Binu Nair, Head of Cipla Foundation Program Operations. The award was in recognition of our shared values and goals of making palliative care accessible and affordable to the most needy that have brought CanSupport and Cipla Foundation in a longstanding relationship of which CanSupport is extremely proud of. The Silver Scroll of Honour was awarded to Tata Capital Limited, recognising their support to our teams to offer holistic care in the homes of people living with cancer and their caregivers in their homes. Vishal Chugh – Executive Vice President and Suneet Arora – Regional Administration Head, Tata Capital Limited collected the award.

Silver Scroll of Honour was also presented to Optum Global Solutions India Private Limited in recognition of its support to our Home Care programs across the worst affected areas of Delhi and Punjab. Optum Global Solutions India Private Limited also won the trophy for the largest participating corporate in the Walk. 600 Optum employees joined the Walk!

The trophy for the largest participating Academic Institution was awarded to Pathways School, Gurgaon, Baliawas.

The Shri Ram School, Aravali, won the trophy for the largest participating Academic Institution walking in their own campus.

The trophy for an individual who raised the highest amount of pledges and donations for the Walk, was presented to Dr Anita Marwah and finally the trophy for the largest Volunteer Group went to the Rotaract Club of Sri Aurobindo College and Rotaract District 3011.

The 3 kilometres Walk on Kartavya Path ended on a high, with people dancing and hugging each other.

We thank each CanSupport staff, hundreds of volunteers and each and every participant, for making the Walk a huge success!