Implemented with support from HSBC, ICAP is a three-year action-based research initiative launched in 2024 to generate evidence and knowledge assets that promote climate-responsive and sustainable agricultural practices across India, with a focus on soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity.

The study, titled “Evaluating the Economic Viability of Regenerative Agriculture in Water-Scarce Regions: Evidences from Marathwada”, examined the experiences of farmers adopting regenerative agriculture practices in Dharashiv district, Maharashtra. Beyond assessing ecological indicators, the study explored practical considerations influencing adoption and scalability, including market access, institutional support, and farmer capacity building.

Key observations from the study include:

• Participating farms demonstrated up to a 40% increase in soil moisture retention capacity compared to baseline conditions
• Nearly 59% of surveyed farmers reported improvements in crop yield quality following the adoption of regenerative practices
• Analysis indicated a positive relationship (r = 0.32) between the implementation of regenerative agriculture practices and improvements in ecological health indicators

The study also documented economic benefits reported by participating farmers. Adoption of locally prepared organic inputs such as Jeevamrut and Dashaparni contributed to reductions in cultivation costs, while improvements in soil health and crop resilience helped lower labour requirements and reduce losses from pests and diseases. These findings suggest that regenerative agriculture has the potential to improve farm efficiency while strengthening environmental sustainability in water-stressed regions.

The research further highlights the importance of market linkages, farmer institutions, and capacity-building efforts in supporting the long-term viability and adoption of regenerative agriculture practices. Strengthening collective platforms such as Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) can improve farmers’ access to markets and enhance opportunities for value realization.

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This year, a powerful wave of new fundraisers is stepping forward, rallying their networks, and championing causes that matter. Funds raised through the platform are supporting children’s access to education, empowering women, strengthening communities, improving health outcomes, caring for animals, and protecting the environment. What makes this milestone especially significant is not just the scale of funds raised, but a clear transformation in who is driving the movement.

Since 2004, India’s largest sporting platform has cumulatively raised ₹536 crore and counting through the collective efforts of NGOs, corporates, runners, and individual fundraisers. While experienced fundraisers continue to anchor the Tata Mumbai Marathon’s philanthropy efforts, 2026 marks the highest-ever participation of first-time fundraisers. More than 1,100 new fundraisers now account for nearly three-quarters of all participants, collectively mobilising over ₹5.6 crore so far and significantly expanding the circle of giving.

Institutional participation has also reached new highs. Companies are increasingly leveraging the marathon to advance their Corporate Social Responsibility commitments and encourage employee engagement at scale. Of the 194 corporate teams participating this year, 40 companies are supporting the marathon’s philanthropy efforts for the first time. In parallel, the NGO ecosystem continues to grow, with 68 new organisations joining in 2026, bringing total participation to 305 NGOs. This reflects growing confidence in the platform as a credible, efficient, and impactful avenue for fundraising and awareness-building.

This combination of scale, efficiency, and fresh participation makes the 2026 edition a defining moment for the Tata Mumbai Marathon. The campaign is not only generating significant social capital, but also building the next generation of donors, fundraisers, and socially engaged institutions, further strengthening TMM’s position as India’s most powerful and sustainable sporting platform for social impact.

Commenting on this shift, George Aikara, CEO of United Way Mumbai, said, “We are witnessing a generational shift in philanthropy. When more than 70 percent of your fundraisers, 40 new corporates, and 68 new NGOs join in a single year, it signals that giving is becoming part of mainstream civic life. The Tata Mumbai Marathon is no longer just a race; it has become a platform that is shaping how a new generation engages with philanthropy.”

Vivek Singh, JT, MD, Procam International, added, “The Philanthropy Pillar of the Tata Mumbai Marathon has evolved into an ecosystem in itself, offering corporates, NGOs, runners, and individual fundraisers a powerful platform for social good. It has strengthened our bond with civil society, and my heartiest congratulations to all the fundraisers for taking a conscious step towards initiating purposeful change. Kudos to the entire team at United Way Mumbai for leading this pillar from the front and continually guiding and strengthening the efforts of all our fundraisers. Many people may not realise this, but in the NGO world, the cost of fundraising is often as high as 50–60%. Thanks to United Way of Mumbai, we have been able to bring that down to just 3.83%, ensuring that resources reach where they are needed most. That is why today, as you heard, 309 NGOs are using the Mumbai Marathon to raise funds and awareness.”

At a press meet held on Tuesday, 13 January, a panel of first-time fundraisers and social change advocates shared their personal journeys of stepping into philanthropy through the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026. The panel featured Aryavir Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, Haseena Themali, Samir Popat Mengal, Ira Khan, and Shanta Vallury Gandhi, each representing a new voice in India’s growing culture of participatory giving.

Reflecting on her experience, Haseena Themali, runner and coach; first-time fundraiser at the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026, said, “Fundraising taught me that earning trust and convincing people is far harder than running any distance, but with genuine intent, nothing is impossible. This journey helped me move beyond personal milestones and use sport as a platform to serve a larger purpose for the cause and for the country.”

Ira Khan, Mental Health Advocate; Theatre Director; Founder, Agatsu Foundation, first-time fundraiser at the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026, shared, “Fundraising at the Tata Mumbai Marathon brought my family together around a shared belief in community-driven change, across mental health and rural development. The platform creates space for collective effort that extends far beyond race day and strengthens causes through community participation.”

For Shanta Vallury Gandhi, Board Member; Independent Consultant; Founder, Advisory Firm, first-time fundraiser at the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026, the experience was deeply personal. “This was my first time fundraising at TMM, and it challenged me to step out of corporate comfort zones and ask friends directly for support. The experience reinforced that fundraising requires vulnerability and humility, and that asking is often the most powerful first step.”

For Rupesh Telam, a 15-year old first-time fundraise for Aseema Charitable Trust through the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026, the marathon is more than a race. In his own words, “It is a chance to step beyond Igatpuri, my village and be inspired by people who embody determination and perseverance, and carry that inspiration forward as he continues to pursue his dreams.”

Alongside this inspiring wave of first-time fundraisers, the 2026 campaign continues to be powered by an exceptional group of seasoned philanthropists known as Change Legends, whose sustained leadership anchors the platform year after year. This year’s Change Legends include Villy Doctor, who has raised over ₹1.67 crore, Ajay H. Mehta with ₹1.40 crore, and Sadashiv S. Rao with ₹1.09 crore. Additionally, Dr. Bijal Mehta, Dr. Meera Mehta, and Shyam Jasani have each crossed the ₹1 crore mark through their longstanding commitment to social causes.

Adding a remarkable new chapter to this legacy is 16-year-old Sophie Sona Shah, Change Legend, Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026; student and founder, Chronically Me, the youngest Change Legend in the history of the Tata Mumbai Marathon. As a first-time fundraiser, her achievement powerfully reflects the changing face of philanthropy at TMM 2026, symbolising the bridge between experience and emergence that now defines the platform.

Despite their different backgrounds, a common theme emerged: none had ever raised funds before. Each speaker noted how the marathon provided the platform, structure, and motivation to mobilize their networks around causes they deeply care about. Several panellists spoke about their initial hesitation in requesting donations and how that quickly turned into confidence as their networks responded with unexpected generosity. They described fundraising not as asking for money, but as inviting others to be part of something meaningful.

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