Aftertaste at the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026:

Running for Dignity, Empowerment and Change

In a narrow lane, in a small 8-by-4-feet room in the heart of Ambuzwadi, Malwani, a quiet 
revolution began over a decade ago. A handful of women – mothers looking for financial 
independence – sat together, learning to paint, mould, and create just to make ends meet. That 
tiny room became the birthplace of Aftertaste, a not-for-profit social enterprise founded by 
Shalini Datta, driven by one powerful vision: to empower women from low-income 
communities find agency, dignity, and livelihood through art and craft. 

For many of these women, stepping out of their homes was once unthinkable. The idea of financial independence seemed distant. But Aftertaste changed that narrative. Through guided training and skill development in a safe space, these women became artisans. Their handcrafted products, each made with hard work & sheer determination, soon became more than art; it became a symbol of identity and empowerment.

Shehnaz ji and Farhad Ji exhibiting their products proudly at a Corporate House

Today, over 80 women from Mumbai have been able to change the trajectories of their lives through Aftertaste. Their stories speak of resilience & reclaiming their dignity. What began as an initiative with minimal resources in a small space has evolved into a community bred organisation, creating ripples of change.

The stitching unit of Aftertaste feeling triumphant after completing a challenging installation project for a Corporate.

Yet, Aftertaste’s mission goes beyond livelihood. It’s about building resilience that lasts. Over the years, they have seen that while income provides stability, true empowerment requires access to healthcare, education, and mental well-being. A sudden illness or emotional distress can push families back into uncertainty.

That’s why, this year, Aftertaste is taking their mission to the streets of Mumbai by participating in the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026, a coveted event which is part of the city’s cultural landscape steering social impact and social consciousness.

Aftertaste isn’t just running miles; they’re running for a cause – to raise funds that will strengthen the impact of the work done by these women. They hope to create a medical fund to protect artisans from sudden health emergencies and introduce preventive healthcare and mental wellness support. 

Youth of Aftertaste attending a Computer Literacy Program

They also aim to build a centre of excellence for the children of these artisans, offering higher education consulting, digital training, and soft skills development to help them compete on an equal footing and become career-ready.

Each contribution helps sustain the progress of these women, women who’ve broken barriers to step out of poverty and into self-reliance.

Every step they take is a reminder that empowerment is not a sprint, but a marathon, a long, enduring journey that takes time, but transforms not just individuals, but generations

This January, you can be part of their story by:

  1. Donating to their fundraiser: https://www.unitedwaymumbai.org/tmm/view-ngo-1826
  2. Sharing their story with your network
  3. Encouraging others to join the cause

Support Aftertaste’s fundraiser and help these women and their families continue their journey towards dignity, health, and opportunity.

Because when women rise, families thrive.