The 20thedition of World Kidney Day was observed with a walkathon by TANKER Foundation and Mehta Hospital’s Paediatric Nephrology Department on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Elliots Beach, Besant Nagar, at 7 am.

World Kidney Day is a global awareness campaign by ISN (International Society of Nephrology) and IFKF-WKA (International Federation of Kidney Foundations-World Kidney Alliance), focusing on the importance of kidney health.

Early detection can significantly impact kidney disease outcomes. This year’s theme, ‘Are your Kidneys OK? Detect Early, Prevent Kidney Disease’, underscores the critical need for proactive kidney care. Kidney health is often overlooked, but it is vital for overall well-being. Early detection and prevention are key to avoiding serious complications. Through this event, the organisers aimed to shine the light on the importance of kidney health among adults and children, while also promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.

The walkathon was flagged off by two distinguished personalities: Dr. K. Jayanth Murali, retired Director General of Police, and renowned actor-director, Mrs. Lakshmy Ramakrishnan.

Their presence added significance to the initiative aimed at promoting kidney disease awareness.

Dr Jayanth Murali, also a marathoner who raises funds for TANKER patients, emphasised the need to exercise regularly and drink enough fluids for kidney health.

Mrs. Lakshmy Ramakrishnan’s advice was to avoid over-the-counter medications and keep blood pressure and diabetes under control and eat a healthy diet.

Dr Kalaivani, Paediatric Nephrologist of Mehta Hospitals, said kidney failure was on the increase in children and needed to be detected early for timely action.

TANKER Foundation Managing Trustee, Mrs. Latha A. Kumaraswami, and Head Admin, Mrs. Vasanthi Ravichander, among others, participated in the walkathon.