Saree Walkathon 2026 Turns City Streets Into Lifelines For Underprivileged Dialysis Patients

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Access to regular dialysis is not a one-time challenge - it is a relentless, life-sustaining need that many underprivileged patients struggle to afford. While the crisis often stays invisible, community-led initiatives continue to push it into public consciousness. One such effort unfolded this weekend, using tradition not as symbolism, but as a tool to mobilise attention, participation and tangible support for those dependent on dialysis to survive.

Saree Walkathon Unites City For A Cause

Braving the cold on Sunday morning enthusiastically, more than 200 women, draped in traditional sarees, took part in a unique Saree Walkathon at Kohinoor Ground near Ramakrishna Ashrama Circle to support underprivileged dialysis patients. Organised by GARUDA Foundation in association with Madhura Women's Club, Garuda Foundation and Sudaya Foundation, the event also saw the active participation of pourakarmikas, adding to its inclusive spirit. As a gesture of respect, sarees were distributed to civic workers, drawing appreciation from participants and guests alike.

Women Step Forward For Dialysis Awareness

The walkathon aimed to raise awareness and funds for dialysis treatment, with organisers stating that 100 per cent of the proceeds would be utilised for patient care. Several stalls were set up at the venue, creating a vibrant community atmosphere. Chickpet MLA Uday Garudachar praised the participation of women from all sections and the contribution of pourakarmikas, while Basavanagudi MLA Ravi L Subramanya described the programme as visionary, blending public health awareness with the promotion of India's age-old saree tradition.

Karnataka State Bioenergy Development Board chairman S E Sudheendra said the programme was a wonderful initiative that created awareness on dialysis through a unique saree walkathon, and specially appreciated Media Connect founder Dr Divya Rangenahalli for her key role in conceptualising and organising meaningful public outreach programmes.

Culture, Community And Collective Support

Actors Veena Rao and Bhuvana Murali, along with other dignitaries, lent their support to the cause, calling it meaningful and timely. Media Connect founder Dr Divya Rangenahalli said the saree walkathon symbolised the strength of women and their role in building a healthy society. Madhura Women's Club founder and president Manjula Shankar, along with Lakshmi C P and Anshu Hegde, were present, underlining the collective effort behind an initiative that seamlessly brought together culture, compassion and community service.

The Saree Walkathon stood out not for its scale alone, but for the clarity of its purpose. By bringing women, civic workers, public representatives and cultural tradition onto the same ground, the initiative turned a simple walk into meaningful action. At a time when access to dialysis remains a daily struggle for many families, the event sent a strong message - community-driven efforts can bridge gaps where support is urgently needed, and compassion, when shared, can truly sustain lives.