Mar 09th: Marking International Women’s Day, one of India’s leading student-driven social movements, Kanyathon, was hosted for the first time at BITS Pilani, one of the world’s premier institutions. Organized in collaboration with Vijaybhoomi University, the 3-kilometre run brought together over 650 students, faculty members, and community participants, united in support of girls’ education and women’s empowerment. From BITS Pilani, the main organizers for this mammoth event were Prof. Navin Singh, Associate Dean SWD, Prof Sangeeta Sharma, HoD HSS Department, Mr. Bhavesh Verma, Mr. Ajay Shekhawat, Ms. Sanchita, Mr. Divya Lamba and Mr. Kishore Singh, CSO.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from the BITS Pilani community as well as several schools from within and outside the campus, including students from Birla Balika Vidya Peeth, BKBIET, and Birla School. The run also saw participation from students belonging to underprivileged backgrounds supported by PARC – Pilani Atmanirbhar Resource Center, a non-profit initiative established by BITS Pilani alumni to support local communities. Their presence reflected the broader mission of Kanyathon: ensuring that every girl has access to education and opportunities to shape her future.
Originally launched in 2011 as a student-led initiative to address gender inequality through education, Kanyathon has evolved into a national movement advocating for girls’ empowerment. Endorsed by the Fit India Movement under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the initiative has grown steadily, mobilizing thousands of participants and raising significant support for education-focused interventions.
The run at BITS Pilani symbolized how institutions across India are coming together to amplify the message of equality, inclusion, and empowerment. Inspired by the impact of Kanyathon over the years, Vijaybhoomi University partnered with BITS Pilani to bring the movement to the Pilani campus, encouraging students and the community to actively support the cause of girls’ education.
Highlighting the broader community impact of the initiative, Prof. Sudhirkumar Barai, Director, BITS Pilani, said: “It is heartening to see our students, faculty, and the larger community come together for a cause that is both meaningful and transformative. I am sure this small initiative that has happened at the BITS level will create a larger community impact and inspire many more people to support the education and empowerment of girls.”
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sanjay Padode, President, Vijaybhoomi University, said: “It is truly heartening to see my alma mater, BITS Pilani, come together to support the cause of the girl child through Kanyathon. For the past 15 years, this movement has been championing the importance of empowering and protecting the girl child. A woman brings life, compassion, and balance to the world; she is the force that binds humanity together and drives prosperity and harmony in society. When we save and empower a girl child, we are not just securing one life but shaping a better and more progressive future for the entire world.”
Over the years, Kanyathon has gone beyond awareness campaigns to create tangible impact. The initiative has established nine Kanyathon Shiksha Kendras (KSKs) in government schools across Karnataka and Maharashtra, delivering structured programmes in spoken English, computer literacy, and health and hygiene education to more than 1,000 students. It has also supported schools through computer labs, classroom infrastructure upgrades, sanitation facilities, and scholarships for meritorious girls from economically weaker sections.
The enthusiastic participation of more than 650 individuals at BITS Pilani underscores how strongly the message of gender equality and education resonates with young people today. As the movement continues to grow, Kanyathon aims to expand its reach and impact, bringing education, health awareness, and digital literacy to even more girls across underserved communities in India.
