The ‘Joy of Giving’week will begin on October 2 and will continue until October 8th. It is also called ‘Daan Utsav’and to launch the occasion, the Volunteer Services Organization (VSO) of Manipal University along with the University's Sports Council did something new - organized a 'Kidathon' for children below 10 years.

The event was initiated to inculcate in the kids the very essence of Daan Utsav. It garnered a good response and about 250 children participated in the event. Dr. H S Ballal, pro-chancellor, Manipal University flagged off the walk at the multi-purpose indoor complex, Marena. The walk culminated at the Melaka Manipal Medical College (MMMC).

Children from Udupi and Manipal slums also joined the kids of the faculty and kids from Madhav Kripa School who had participated in the kidathon. The event was also attended by over 200 VSO students and other faculty members. were also present. A Zumba session was organized for the kids at MMMC where the event had ended so that children could enjoy the outing.

Launched in 2009, DaanUtsav (earlier called the Joy of Giving Week) India’s ‘festival of giving’ is celebrated every year, commencing on Gandhi Jayanti – from October 2 to 8.