Twenty-one Rotary clubs from District 3192 came together on MG Road to renew their commitment to a polio-free world.
Under a rain-kissed Bengaluru sky, more than 400 Rotarians, Rotaractors and Interactors from Rotary District 3192 came together in a powerful demonstration of unity, service and public commitment. Despite the damp weather, participants’ enthusiasm remained undiminished as members of 21 Rotary clubs took to the streets of MG Road, filling the heart of the city with vibrant messages of polio awareness.
The World Polio Day Awareness Walkathon transformed a busy Bengaluru morning into a collective call for action, reminding citizens that the fight against polio requires sustained awareness, continued immunisation and the participation of communities across generations.
Organised on the occasion of World Polio Day, observed annually on October 24, the initiative reaffirmed Rotary’s longstanding commitment to ending polio worldwide. With the message “One Day. One Focus: Ending Polio,” the walkathon highlighted the importance of protecting every child from this preventable, potentially life-threatening disease.
A United March for a Polio-Free World
The walkathon commenced at the MG Road Metro Station and proceeded through the heart of Bengaluru, culminating at the iconic Mahatma Gandhi Statue near Cubbon Park. The route offered participants an opportunity to engage with the public, raise awareness and bring the message of polio eradication directly to the city’s residents and commuters.
The event was officially flagged off near the Deccan Herald office by the District Governor of Rotary District 3192, along with Mr. Tilak Kumar, Chairman of Deccan Herald. The presence of District Polio Chair Rtn ChandraLeela Sundaram and District Rotaract Representative (DRR) Sanjay further strengthened the initiative’s focus on public awareness and youth participation.
The occasion also witnessed the participation of several distinguished Rotary leaders, including Vice Governor PDG Dr. S. Nagendra, IPDG Elizabeth Cherian, PDG Rajendra Rai and Public Image Chair Rtn Zarir Batha. Lead Club President Rtn Vinetha Chinnappa, along with Rtn Ashok Kalyan Shetty and Rtn Srinivasamurthy, played important supporting roles in the collective effort.
Adding a significant healthcare dimension to the initiative, Dr. Chandrashekar Chikamuniyappa, CEO of DHEE Hospitals, participated in the walkathon. DHEE Hospitals also provided ambulance services as a precautionary measure, helping ensure appropriate medical support during the event.
Three Generations, One Mission
One of the defining features of the walkathon was the active participation of Rotarians, Rotaractors and Interactors, demonstrating how a shared cause can unite people of different ages and backgrounds.
The Interactors, led by Interact Chair DIR Myra Kanshal, brought youthful enthusiasm to the streets. Students from various schools carried creative placards and chanted energetic slogans, drawing the attention of passers-by and commuters. Their involvement highlighted the importance of engaging young people in community service and public health advocacy.
The Rotaractors, under the leadership of DRR Sanjay, played a vital role in coordinating activities, supporting event logistics and mobilising participants. Their energy, organisational skills and commitment helped ensure the smooth execution of the march. Leading from the front, Sanjay and his team demonstrated the impact of youth leadership when combined with a clear social purpose.
Rotarians representing 21 clubs across District 3192 provided the leadership, guidance and institutional support that brought the initiative together. Their participation reflected Rotary’s spirit of collaboration and demonstrated how coordinated efforts across clubs can create a stronger and more visible community impact.
Throughout the route, participants raised “End Polio Now” slogans, reinforcing the urgency of the global eradication mission and encouraging the public to recognise the importance of continued vaccination.
Taking the Message Beyond the Streets
The awareness campaign extended beyond the walkathon itself. Following breakfast, a group of Rotarians and Rotaractors continued the outreach by travelling on the Bengaluru Metro to Ulsoor Metro Station.
This additional activity brought the campaign into a public transport setting, creating further opportunities to engage with commuters and increase awareness of Rotary’s contribution to the global fight against polio.
By taking the message from the streets to the Metro, participants demonstrated that public awareness can be strengthened through simple, visible and meaningful interactions in everyday public spaces.
Why World Polio Day Matters
World Polio Day commemorates the birth of Dr. Jonas Salk, whose team developed the first successful inactivated polio vaccine. The day serves as an important reminder of the progress achieved through scientific advancement, vaccination programmes and international cooperation.
Rotary International has been a leading force in the global effort to eradicate polio, working alongside the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Gates Foundation and other partners through the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
Although significant progress has been made, the fight is not over. Continued immunisation, effective surveillance, public education and community participation remain essential to preventing the disease from returning and ensuring that every child is protected.
The Bengaluru walkathon translated this global mission into local action. By bringing together more than 400 participants, the initiative helped reinforce the importance of vaccination, address concerns surrounding immunisation, and keep polio eradication firmly in the public conversation.
A Celebration of Collaboration and Community Service
The success of the walkathon reflected the collective commitment of the Rotary family and the many individuals who contributed to its planning and execution. The participation of 21 clubs demonstrated the strength of district-wide collaboration, while the involvement of Rotaractors and Interactors underscored the importance of nurturing future generations of community leaders.
The District Secretariat expressed its gratitude to the district officers, Rotarians from Bengaluru clubs, the Traffic Police Department, the Sergeant-at-Arms team, Cubbon Park officials, catering partners who arranged breakfast, and all Rotaractors and Interactors who participated in large numbers.
Special appreciation was also extended to the event’s supporting teams and partners whose coordination, logistical assistance, and commitment helped make the initiative a meaningful public image and community awareness activity.
More than a march through the streets of Bengaluru, the World Polio Day Awareness Walkathon stood as a symbol of shared responsibility, intergenerational leadership and Rotary’s enduring commitment to humanitarian service.
As the participants carried their message through MG Road and beyond, the central message remained clear: a polio-free world is a goal that demands continued action from everyone.
