Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2026 Sets New Philanthropic Record

Fundraising Surpasses ₹8.87 Crore, with NGOs, Runners and Corporates Driving the Momentum

Rakesh Thapliyal 

New Delhi, 13 October 2026: For over two decades, the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon has celebrated the generosity and spirit of Delhi, bringing people together. This year, the event has set a new philanthropic benchmark, with 72 NGOs, 14 corporates and over 169 individual fundraisers collectively raising ₹8.87 crore ahead of Race Day — reaffirming the power of collective action to drive meaningful social change.

For the second consecutive year, Lakshyaa partnered with the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon as its Philanthropy Partner, mobilising and supporting the community through guidance and assistance.

Since its inception in 2005, the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon has emerged as one of the leading sporting platforms for philanthropy, channelling Delhi’s big-heartedness towards communities and causes across the country. With over ₹97.5 crore raised to date, the event continues to demonstrate that its impact extends far beyond the finish line — A Legacy Moves Forward.

Commenting on the milestone, Nikhil Pant, Founder and Partner, Lakshyaa, said, VDHM 2026 exemplifies how sports, fitness, and community engagement can come together to create meaningful and lasting social impact. Lakshyaa is proud to be the Philanthropy Partner for the second consecutive year. We continue to strive towards making the philanthropy pillar bigger and better, bringing together nonprofits, individual fundraisers, corporates, and the running community to drive meaningful change. I am proud of our team and their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to giving our best at every step. My best wishes to everyone for a successful and impactful VDHM 2026! May we continue to inspire change, together.”

Continuing its commitment to combat malnutrition, the event title sponsor, Vedanta, through its social impact initiative Nand Ghar, is bringing purpose to every stride at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2026. Under the #RunForZeroHunger initiative, every kilometre covered by participants will contribute towards Vedanta’s pledge of providing 5 million Poshan Packs to support the nutritional needs of children and animals. Building on the collective efforts of previous editions, which have helped provide 22 million meals over the past four years, the initiative continues to demonstrate how the passion of runners can translate into meaningful impact beyond the finish line.

As the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon enters its 21st edition, the race continues to demonstrate that running can be about much more than the finish line. The philanthropy movement this year has witnessed significant growth, with some highlights below:

₹ 8.87 crore+ raised in 2026, more than doubling the ₹4.12 crore raised in 2025

169 fundraisers have come together to champion causes they believe in, compared with 50 fundraisers in 2025

· ₹97.5 crore raised cumulatively, enabling 500+ NGOs, creating impact across healthcare, education, livelihoods, gender, disability, environment and other critical social causes.

· Deepak Sharma, the Change Icon, emerged as the highest individual fundraiser, raising an extraordinary ₹31 lakh in support of Udayan Care, a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering vulnerable children, youth and women. His remarkable achievement sets a new record for individual fundraising at the event, demonstrating how personal commitment, compassion and the power of collective giving can drive meaningful social change.

· 15-year-old Rehaan Gayan, a Class 10 student and the youngest fundraiser, demonstrated that age is no barrier to making a difference by raising an impressive ₹50,000 in support of ETASHA Society, a registered non-profit organisation working in skill development and livelihood enhancement. His achievement highlights the power of young changemakers to inspire communities, champion meaningful causes and create positive social impact.

· Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC), the only PSU supporting social causes through the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, demonstrates its commitment to nation-building through strategic CSR initiatives. In line with its CSR policy, IRFC supports projects focused on education, healthcare and sanitation, environmental sustainability, empowerment of marginalised communities, rural development, and disaster relief and rehabilitation. Its association with VDHM reflects the power of public sector participation in advancing social impact and creating meaningful change across communities.

With fundraising open until 31st October 2026, the movement continues to invite individuals, young fundraisers, run clubs, institutions and corporates to raise funds and amplify the causes closest to them. Donate now at https://vdhm.lakshyaa.co.in/.

Vivek B. Singh, Joint Managing Director, Procam International, said, “What an incredible achievement this year! We have more than doubled our fundraising compared to last year, with contributions still coming in. The ₹8.87 crore raised so far is a testament to the collective efforts of the Lakshyaa Foundation, our runners, NGOs and corporate partners. Our vision has always been to create a platform that empowers people to give back and champion causes close to their hearts. Today, it is heartening to see philanthropy become an integral part of Delhi’s social fabric, reflecting a growing culture of giving that extends far beyond Race Day.”

Panellists Profiles

Champions of Change

Mr. Deepak Sharma

Change Icon | Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2026

 

Mr. Deepak Sharma is a seasoned professional, philanthropist and social-impact leader with 31 years of corporate experience across organisations including NTPC, ABB, ALSTOM Power, BSES, and the Tata Group. An Electrical Engineer with an MBA in Finance, he transitioned from corporate life at 53 to dedicate himself to social service.

Associated with Udayan Care since 2009, he currently serves as a Trustee, contributing to mentoring, CSR partnerships, and fundraising. He has raised over ₹12 crore through CSR networks and personally contributed more than ₹1.5 crore towards social causes.

A recipient of the REX Karmaveer Award (Gold Medal) and author of Wings to Fly, Deepak champions the philosophy of “Learn, Earn & Return” and believes that “Giving is Living.”

“For me, the real reward is seeing children grow into confident, independent individuals. For 14 years, my wife and I have been mentoring girls at Udayan Care, helping them build a future of their own. Alongside this, I have raised ₹74 lakh over three years to support the organisation, with the help of my network. I believe life has to be more meaningful than just numbers in the bank,” he said during the VDHM 2026 Philanthropy Meet and Greet.

Indian Railway Finance Corporation: Corporate Champion

1. Ashish Saini

General Manager – Finance | Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC)

Ashish Saini, an IRAS officer of the 2016 batch, currently serving as General Manager – Finance at Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) on deputation. An Electrical Engineering graduate from Delhi College of Engineering, he holds an MBA from the Faculty of Management Studies, Delhi, and a Master in Public Policy from the London School of Economics.

Prior to joining IRFC, he served as Deputy Financial Advisor & Chief Accounts Officer with Northern Railways, Ministry of Railways.

At the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, Ashish represents how corporate leadership, employee participation, and philanthropy can come together to create meaningful social impact.

 

2. Anil Chawla-Director | Clix Capital

Anil Chawla is a seasoned business leader and entrepreneur with over three decades of experience across financial services and corporate leadership. He began his career with GE Capital in 1996 and went on to serve as CEO of Commercial Finance, India and South East Asia, and Managing Director of GE India.

He later headed DE Shaw India and, along with Pramod Bhasin and Aion Capital, acquired GE Capital’s India lending business, now known as Clix Capital, where he currently serves as Director.

Anil is an active YPO member, avid marathon runner and cyclist, and has been recognised as a thought leader in the business and lifestyle space.

A corporate leader, entrepreneur and endurance enthusiast, Anil brings a strong perspective on leadership, participation and creating meaningful impact.

 

3. Penav Mota

Founder | PenavMota Foundation | Advocate | Endurance Athlete

Advocate Penav Mota is a visually impaired lawyer, endurance athlete and social entrepreneur who has transformed personal adversity into a journey of professional excellence and social impact. He lost his vision at the age of 15 and went on to pursue an LL.M. in Criminal & Security Law from Gujarat National Law University. He currently practices criminal litigation in Mumbai and serves as General Secretary of the Blind Graduates Forum of India.

As Founder of the PenavMota Foundation, he works to create equal opportunities for persons with disabilities through sports, health and education.

A passionate multi-sport athlete, Penav has completed 23+ half marathons, multiple full marathons, triathlons and long-distance cycling events, including 200 km and 300 km BRMs and an international half marathon in Singapore.

His journey is a powerful example of resilience, inclusion and the belief that barriers can be transformed into possibilities.

 

4. Dr. Sangeeta Saikia

Co-founder | Delhi Runners Group (DRG)

Dr. Sangeeta Saikia is a dental surgeon with over 25 years of service in Delhi Government Hospitals. Her work with underserved communities has shaped her commitment to compassion, inclusion and giving back to society.

A passionate runner, she is the Co-founder of Delhi Runners Group (DRG), where running has evolved into a platform for community building and philanthropy. Last year, DRG raised ₹10 lakh for a participating NPO at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon.

This year, Dr. Saikia and DRG are supporting the PenavMota Foundation, which creates opportunities in health, education and sports for visually impaired individuals. As a guide runner alongside the foundation’s founder, Penav Mota, she has experienced first-hand the power of inclusion and collective action.

She is also a founding member of PashuVerse, reflecting her commitment to animal welfare.

A doctor, runner and changemaker who believes in using community and sport to create meaningful social impact.

“After running together for a year, we formed the Delhi Runners Group in 2014, bringing together individuals united by their passion for running. Over time, we realised that we could do more than just run for ourselves. The Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, through its philanthropy platform, has given us an opportunity to channel that passion towards causes that matter to us. This year, we are raising funds for the Penav Mota Foundation, which works towards creating better opportunities in health, education and sports for visually impaired people,” she said at the VDHM 2026 Philanthropy Meet and Greet.

 

5.Rehaan Gayan

Young Star | Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2026

Rehaan Gayan is a Grade 10 student at Heritage International Xperiential School with a keen interest in Economics and Mathematics. Beyond academics, he is a member of his school’s swimming team and has been playing the guitar for seven years, achieving Trinity Grade 8.

A passionate debater, Rehaan enjoys developing his skills in public speaking, critical thinking and argumentation. His diverse interests reflect a curious and driven young mind with a strong willingness to learn, explore and make a difference.

A young voice with curiosity, talent and the potential to inspire change.

The stories of these Champions of Change represent the larger movement that the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon has built over the years—where every runner, fundraiser, corporate and NGO can play a role in creating change.