WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Thousands of people across the globe participated in the Viksit Bharat Runs on Sept. 28, an initiative by India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs. The events, held in more than 150 locations across 91 countries, celebrated unity, environmental stewardship, and cultural pride.
In the United States, runs were organized in Washington, D.C., Chicago, and San Francisco, drawing enthusiastic participation from the Indian diaspora, local communities, students, and professionals. The events were part of Seva Pakhwada, celebrated from Sept. 17 to Oct. 2, which highlights India’s progress in infrastructure, healthcare, technology, education, and sustainability.
The Viksit Bharat Runs were held in major cities worldwide, including Bangkok, Beirut, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Melbourne, Rome, Seoul, Sydney, and Tokyo. Each event featured community runs or walks spanning three to five kilometers, engaging families, youth, and seniors alike. Participants waved the Indian tricolor and carried banners promoting India’s developmental goals.
The events also incorporated the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, encouraging tree planting to promote environmental sustainability. Consular officials described the runs as a reflection of ‘Seva Bhav,’ or the spirit of service, and a way to strengthen ties between India and its global diaspora.
The Washington run, held in partnership with MY Bharat in Maryland, featured a community walk and tree-planting campaign. Participants celebrated India’s developmental achievements and reaffirmed their commitment to the country’s vision of progress and sustainability.
In San Francisco, the Indian Consulate, together with the local Indian American community, hosted a similar run. Hundreds of participants came together to celebrate unity, service, and cultural pride. Consul General Dr. Srikar Reddy led the community in taking the Viksit Bharat pledge, emphasizing personal responsibility and collective action toward building a greener planet.
Chicago’s event, organized by the consulate in collaboration with the Global Indian Diaspora Foundation, took place on Sept. 27. Families, community leaders, and dignitaries attended, strengthening the bonds of the Indian American community. Consul General Somnath Ghosh congratulated attendees on Navratri and Durga Puja and encouraged them to “run for development, friendship, and inclusivity—honoring both ancestral roots and our shared future.”
Participants across all cities emphasized that the runs were more than a fitness activity. They said the events served as a reaffirmation of hope in India’s future and helped maintain a connection with India’s progress while living abroad. The Viksit Bharat pledge, taken at each location, reinforced the commitment to contribute to India’s growth.
The celebrations also marked the 75th birthday of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and echoed his vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, or self-reliant India. The initiative highlighted India’s achievements in areas such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and technology while promoting a sense of global unity among the Indian diaspora.
In addition to Washington, Chicago, and San Francisco, the U.S. hosted parallel runs in Houston, Seattle, Atlanta, and New York. Across all locations, consular officials thanked volunteers, community organizations, and families for participating. They called the turnout “a powerful expression of unity and shared purpose” in building Viksit Bharat 2047.
