Mangaluru Steps Up for Heart Health: KMC Hospital Hosts 21st World Heart Day Walkathon 2026
Mangaluru: In observance of World Heart Day, KMC Hospital Mangaluru successfully hosted its 21st “Walk for Your Heart” World Heart Day Walkathon, bringing together more than 1,500 participants from across Mangaluru to raise awareness about cardiovascular health and encourage active, heart-healthy lifestyles.
The objective of the walkathon was to make heart health accessible, engaging, and relevant to everyone. Simple steps such as walking regularly, eating mindfully and staying physically active can become powerful habits when adopted consistently. The event saw people from diverse age groups come together to support the important cause of heart health.
The walkathon was flagged off by Dr. Dilip G. Naik, Pro Vice Chancellor, MAHE Mangalore Campus; Shri Anand Fernandes, CEO, EGDK India Pvt. Ltd.; Dr. Narasimha Pai, Head of Cardiology; Dr. Padmanabha Kamath, Senior Consultant Cardiologist; Dr. Maneesh Rai, Electrophysiologist; Dr. M.N. Bhat; Dr. Harish Raghavan, Cardiac Surgeon; Dr. Iresh Shetty, Cardiac Surgeon; and Shri Pramod Kunder, Cluster Director, KMC Hospital, among others.
Ms. Sakshi Christina Karkada, a national-level athlete, served as the torchbearer for the walkathon. The walk began at KMC Hospital, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Circle, and proceeded through Balmatta Road, Taj Mahal, Milagres Church, IMA Hall, Attavar and S.L. Mathias Road before concluding at Marena Sports Complex, Kaprigudda, Mangaluru.
Sakshi Christina Karkada was felicitated during the valedictory programme in recognition of her achievements in sports.
Dr. T.R. Udupa, Chief Medical Officer, BASF; Mr. Vasudev Kamath, DC Head, Infosys Mangalore; Mr. Girish Raghuvanshi, Chief Business Officer and Vice President, Adani Power Ltd., Udupi; Mr. Shyam Sunder, Deputy General Manager – HR, GMPL; and Mr. Prabodha Seetharam, Assistant General Manager, Cardolite, were present on the occasion and presented awards to the winners of various participation categories and competitions held as part of the walkathon.
A Metabolic Heart Screening Package was also launched during the World Heart Day programme. Designed especially for young adults aged 25 to 45, the package is a targeted preventive health check aimed at identifying early, asymptomatic cardiovascular and metabolic risks before they develop into chronic diseases. For appointments, contact 9448254700.
With more than 1,500 people coming together to walk for heart health, the 21st edition of KMC Hospital’s “Walk for Your Heart” reinforced the hospital’s continued commitment to promoting preventive cardiac care and building a healthier Mangaluru through awareness and community participation.
