Jaslok Hospital and Research Center, renowned super-multi specialty hospital in Mumbai and amongst the reputed medical institutions across the country, participated in the Mumbai Marathon-2020 to support their social initiative for children with intellectual disability. Team from Jaslok participated in different races at the Marathon, wearing Jerseys that proclaimed the run mission - #ChooseToInclude.

The oldest non-profit working in this space, Jaivakeel Foundation and Research Centre (Jaivakeel) has shifted their lens from care to discovery of potential, thereby leading to the ultimate aim of inclusion and acceptance. A platform such as the Mumbai Marathon connects with all the patrons of the city, thus Jaslok hospital took the initiative to participate in this event and promote Jaivakeel’s vision – to create sensitivity and positive acceptance for ID children in the society.

Speaking on this, Ms. Archana Chandra, CEO, Jaivakeel said, “Within the disabilities space, ID seems to be the most invisible. Children with disabilities are one of the most marginalized and excluded groups of children, experiencing widespread violations of their rights. Jai Vakeel Foundation has been working in this space for over 75 years, reaching out to Lakhs of such children, most of whom are born to the poorest families in the country. As we celebrate our platinum anniversary, Jai Vakeel Foundation we took several such steps to spread awareness about the cause and the power of inclusion– from on-ground events to digital campaigns. We found further support from Jaslok Hospital who are advocating our mission of reaching to all the ID children in this country.”

In addition to Jaivakeel Foundation, Jaslok Hospital also extended support to another social organization, Bal Asha which is an institution providing shelter and care to orphan children. Team Jaslok supported these organizations with #JaslokforJaiVakeel and #JaslokForBalAsha, slogans on their jersey.

Talking about this initiative, Mrs. Kanta Masand, Chairperson, Jaslok Hospital & Research Center said, “Bal Asha is a safe haven for orphan and abandoned children in Mumbai and we focus not only to provide shelter but also help them with education and basic healthcare support. In fact six students from Bal Asha study at Jaivakeel. Jaslok Hospital has always been one of our support and we are delighted to have them represent us at the marathon, because it will help create awareness of our work and help like- minded people & corporate to come forward and support our endeavor” 

Bal Asha Trust is an awarded charitable organization, founded in 1985 that helps abandoned and marginalized children in the city of Mumbai. The Children’s Home has tie-ups with outstanding government, private and municipal hospitals. This includes Jaslok Hospital and Research Center, offering excellent medical services. Bal Asha Trust also supports children of the nearby locality through educational, health and nutritional projects in Mumbai and surrounding areas.

The top management of Jaslok Hospital also participated in the marathon, in addition to the ‘Jaslok Team’ of 13 runners. The sponsorship for the marathon preparation of these runners was led by Jaslok Trustee Mr. Jagdesh M CHanrai, supported by Mrs Kanta Masand, Chairperson, Jaslok Hospital while the force and inspiration behind their participation was her daughter, Ms. Maleeka Rafiq Lala who is also a volunteer with Jaivakeel Foundation. The sponsorship included their attire, gear, training, diet and participation formalities. From Team Jaslok, Mr. Mukund Vedphatak ran the full marathon while Mr. Sachin Patil ran the half marathon and the rest participated in the Dream Run.

The Trustees have decided to promote and partially sponsor all athletes in different sports who are employees at Jaslok Hospital and cannot afford their gear and training. Mr. Mukund was the first runner with many to follow and the Jaslok cricket team is the first team sponsored, who has been winning local matches for years.