On January 15, 2012, Salaam Bombay Foundation took part in its first ever Mumbai Marathon.

The bright yellow contingent of 283 included children from the Sports and Arts academies and friends and supporters of the organisation. Leading the contingent were tobacco control ambassador of India Shaan, child actor Darsheel Daftary and actor Ashmit Patel. Sporting tobacco control advocacy placards and shouting slogans, the contingent made a plea for a tobacco free world. All funds raised through the Marathon are being used to purchase a mobile tobacco cessation van that will travel through the community spreading awareness about the ill effects of tobacco, providing medical screening to users and encouraging children and youth to stay away from it.

Maybe it was the cause, maybe it was our child advocates and their sincerity or maybe the funky headgear, but we definitely attracted a fair share of media attention which has served to spread our mission.

We could not have done this without every single supporter in front and behind the lines, those who walked or ran for us, those who motivated others to do so and those who joined their voices with us as one. We will always remain thankful to them and look forward to welcoming them aboard next year.