A wave of enthusiasm and commitment swept through Piedmont Triad on Saturday May 31, 2025, as BAPS Charities hosted its annual “Spirit of Service: Walk-Run.” With almost 300 participants stepping forward to support the Industry for the Blind, the event underscored the power of unity in making a lasting impact.
Spanning over 100 cities across North America, the BAPS Charities Walk-Run embodies a mission that goes beyond fitness. It champions causes including education, health, environmental stewardship, humanitarian relief, and support for local first responders. This year’s BAPS Charities Walk-Run in Piedmont Triad reinforced the organization’s ongoing commitment to serving communities both locally and globally.
The event was not just about taking strides for a cause, it was about building a stronger, more compassionate society. Participants of all ages, from youth to seniors, came together to show their support for Industry for the Blind and its mission to empower the blind or visually impaired with life improving employment opportunities.
Reflecting on the event’s significance, Mrs. Vasudha Rangapathy, VP of the Industry for the Blind shared, “Thank you for showcasing the power of community. Together we are creating more inclusive and hopeful future.”
Prominent attendees, including Mr. Mike Stone, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Oak Ridge, Mrs. Amanda Cook, Councilwoman, City of High Point, lent their voices to the cause.
For over 20 years, BAPS Charities has been dedicated to serving communities through health, education, humanitarian relief, environmental preservation, and community empowerment. In North America, it has organized over 1,000 Walk-Runs, 500 health fairs, and 500 blood donation drives, benefiting thousands.
Beyond the Walk-Run, BAPS Charities is active in nine countries across five continents and has over 50 years experience in humanitarian work. It provides aid globally, supporting wildfire relief in Los Angeles, responding to hurricanes Milton and Helene, and assisting thousands of Ukrainian refugees. Through its “Spirit of Service” campaign, it leads food drives, toy drives, and health awareness initiatives. Globally, it has planted over 2 million trees and built 55 schools in disaster-hit regions. Committed to service and unity, BAPS Charities continues to make a lasting impact.
Participants expressed their enthusiasm for the Walk-Run, with BAPS Charities Youth Volunteer Ghanshyam Patel stating, “Even though I may not see everything around me as clearly as others, I feel the energy, the support, and the kindness that surrounds us all.”
Event lead Amrish Soni extended gratitude to all involved, saying, “As we walk together, we are not just moving our feet – we’re moving hearts, we’re moving hope, and we’re moving communities forward.”
As another successful Walk-Run concluded, the event reaffirmed the impact of collective action in fostering change. With every step taken, BAPS Charities continues to inspire service-minded individuals, ensuring that compassion and community engagement remain at the heart of its mission.
For more information on the activities of BAPS Charities, please visit www.bapscharities.org.
Global Indian Stories team
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