On October 10, 2025, the Bangalore East Lions Club, District 317E, organized a walkathon and fun-filled activities for the students of Sunaad School for the Hearing Impaired as part of the Mental Health and Well-being Service Week. The event took place at the Dr. S.R. Chandrashekar Institute of Speech and Hearing, where the school is located.
PID V.V. Krishna Reddy, Chairperson of the Institute, opened the event by emphasizing the importance of mental health. He also spoke about the need to create supportive environments for children with hearing impairments and acknowledged Carelon Global Solutions, whose generous contribution of US$28,000 will fund mid-day meals for the students—a practical measure that supports attendance and nutrition.
The walkathon that followed brought together a diverse group: District Governor Aswathnarayana Swamy, PID Vamshidhar Babu, PDG S. Ramachandran, members of Lions Clubs of Bangalore East, Bangalore Ladybird and Bangalore Prerana, 36 employees of Carelon Global Solutions, Institute staff, and 200 students. The children held placards with messages on mental health—raising awareness on a topic that affects them as much as any young person, though they often face additional barriers to accessing support.
After the walkathon, the focus shifted to hands-on activities. Children tried their hand at paper quilling, diya and pot painting, and making silk-thread bangles. Many children stayed absorbed in their work, eager to show what they’d made. Dance performances and a short fashion show added celebration to the afternoon.
The event concluded with a shared lunch served by Lions members and volunteers from Carelon. It was an unhurried meal, and for many children, a chance to sit with people who had come to spend time with them. The interactions throughout the day reinforced a simple truth: well-being grows where attention and care are consistent.