Nara Bhuvaneswari flags off the Beach Road event aimed at spreading awareness about the genetic blood disorder; students, seniors join hands for the cause
Photo Credit: V. RAJU via The Hindu
Visakhapatnam, July 19— The iconic Beach Road of Visakhapatnam witnessed a wave of enthusiasm and solidarity on Saturday as hundreds participated in the Thalassemia Awareness Run, an initiative by NTR Trust to raise public consciousness about Thalassemia, a life-altering genetic blood disorder.
The event was flagged off by NTR Trust Managing Trustee Nara Bhuvaneswari, wife of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, along with former Olympic weightlifter Karanam Malleswari. Prominent personalities such as Music Director SS Thaman and Home Minister V. Anitha also lent their support by participating in the event.
The run, starting near the Kali Mata Temple, featured three categories — 10k, 5k, and 3k — accommodating runners across age groups and fitness levels. From energetic teenagers and spirited college students to determined senior citizens, participants displayed high levels of enthusiasm and commitment to the cause.
A Cause That Runs Deep
Speaking at the concluding ceremony, Ms. Bhuvaneswari emphasized the need for widespread awareness of Thalassemia, describing it as a “serious but largely misunderstood genetic disorder.”
“This run is not just about fitness; it’s about saving lives through awareness. Thalassemia can be prevented with timely testing and knowledge. Our goal is to ensure that no family has to suffer due to ignorance,” she stated.
Ms. Bhuvaneswari also highlighted the ongoing social impact work of the NTR Trust, citing notable initiatives like:
- Regular blood donation drives
- Free health camps for underprivileged communities
- Scholarships for economically disadvantaged students
- Women empowerment programs such as ‘Stree Shakti’
Celebrity and Public Participation Spark Community Spirit
The presence of SS Thaman, a popular name in the Indian music industry, and Home Minister V. Anitha added star power and political weight to the initiative.
Participants shared their experiences on social media using hashtags like #RunForThalassemia and #NTRTrustRun, drawing attention to the importance of voluntary blood donations and genetic screening.
“We came to run, but we left educated,” said 19-year-old college student Sravanthi, who completed the 5K stretch with her friends. “I had never heard of Thalassemia before, but now I know how important it is to get tested before marriage,” she added.
Building a Health-Conscious and Informed Society
With India witnessing a high prevalence of Thalassemia carriers, especially in southern states, health experts stress the urgent need for public awareness, early detection, and regular blood transfusion support for affected individuals.
Events like the NTR Trust’s awareness run serve as a critical bridge between medical awareness and community engagement.
As the sun rose over the Bay of Bengal, the Beach Road transformed into a symbol of collective strength—where policy leaders, celebrities, students, and citizens ran together for a healthier, better-informed future.