A Walk to End Hunger

Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) with Rise Against Hunger India (RAHI) conducts its annual Social Responsibility event called ‘Walk-a-Thon’

12th August, Bangalore: Walkathons have emerged to be the most democratic and strong medium to raise awareness and give voice to important issues all around the world. Hundreds of participants are often seen raising slogans and taking processions on busy city roads, at government office blocks or national monuments to on pertinent issues plaguing the society.

UDYAM-the Social Responsibility Committee of NMIMS, Bangalore has collaborated with Rise Against Hunger India (RAHI), an international NGO, to organize their annual Walk-a-Thon amidst the buzzing roads of Bangalore. The walk was to create awareness about “HUNGER DISPARITY” in our society and show the world that it is, in fact, possible to end hunger by the year 2030. With around 7000 hunger deaths happening in the country every day, Udyam, the Social Responsibility Committee of NMIMS, Bengaluru decided to team up with RAHI to raise its voice against this pressing issue prevalent in the society. The march witnessed hundreds of NMIMS students walking through the streets of Bangalore to highlight hunger related issues which need to be addressed urgently.

 

Along with Mr Dola Mohapatra, Executive Director of RAHI, the community awareness events organized at NMIMS campus witnessed a panel discussion on the burning issue of hunger which results in 1/3rd of India’s population sleeping hungry every day. Notable representatives from corporate & social sector such as The Times Foundation, Net Serve Technologies, Akshay Patra and Feeding India were present.  The session was moderated by Mr Abhishek Ranjan from Brillio.

The 5 km Walkathon commenced at Forum Mall and ended at NMIMS. It opened with a street play called ‘Bhookmari’ staged by the students at NMIMS. The participants of the street play highlighted crucial issues pertaining to hunger to sensitize society. During the walk, students along with the RAHI representatives raised slogans and carried posters  banners, showing the impact of hunger disparity in our country today.

Sounding enthusiastic, on the Walkathon Mr. Dola Mohapatra, Executive Director RAHI said that “in an environment of opulence and urban wealth, hunger may not be an issue of priority in people’s minds. The aim of this event is to raise awareness & educate people that hunger is definitely an issue in India – but more importantly, to tell everyone that hunger is man-made.  There is clear evidence that over the years, there is a significant reduction in the number of hungry people – worldwide and in India.  Hence, if we all work together, we can surely end hunger by 2030!” He added, “We are honoured to have collaborated with an

institute of repute like NMIMS for the Walkathon and hope it would help strengthen our cause. This endeavour by the students could garner the much-needed attention to the issue of hunger and we hope to sustain the effort in the future”.

About RAHI

Rise Against Hunger (RAH), an international hunger relief organization, aims to show the world that it is, in fact, possible to end hunger by the year 2030. The first meal packaging event (the flagship program of RAH) was held in 2013 in Bangalore facilitated by the US team.  In 2014, due to increased interest by corporate partners to get involved in meal packaging programs, Rise Against Hunger India (RAHI) was created as an independent entity in India and formally registered as a charitable trust. Headquartered in Bangalore, the RAHI program began in 2015 and is committed to nourishing lives, providing emergency aid, empowering communities and growing the hunger movement. From floods to droughts, RAHI has actively responded in the wake of emergencies. The team also works towards bolstering agricultural production and income through various agricultural methods, business skills and market access.