From Perth to Washington, London to New York, and Moscow to Sydney, the Indian diaspora came together on September 28 for the Viksit Bharat Run 2025, one of India’s largest-ever global outreach initiatives. Held across 150 cities worldwide, the run transformed into a powerful display of unity and pride, as participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

In Perth, the run brought together Western Australia’s Indian community at the City of Stirling in a celebration of wellness, service, and unity. The event was hosted by the Consulate General of India (CGI), Perth, led by Consul General (CG) Kajari Biswas and Head of Chancery (HOC) Naresh Kumar, in collaboration with the Indian Australian Diaspora Forum, headed by Indira Nair with key contributions from Nirmal Panchal and Lalit Garg.

The formal program began with a welcome from Nair, who underscored the significance of the gathering and emphasized that a developed India also signifies a stronger India–Australia relationship. She warmly acknowledged the presence of CG Biswas and HOC Kumar before inviting Biswas to share her reflections on the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Taking the stage, CG Biswas reminded participants that the Viksit Bharat Run was “more than a sporting or wellness event; it is a pledge to serve the nation,” adding that it was an opportunity to reaffirm “our collective commitment to the vision of a developed India by 2047.” 

She noted that the initiative is part of Seva Pakhwada, September 17 – October 2, a fortnight dedicated to service, sustainability, and inclusivity. She also highlighted that the initiative marks the 75th birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, echoing his vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Prayaas, Sabka Vikas,” everyone’s effort leading to everyone’s growth. Biswas emphasized that India’s progress in technology, infrastructure, sustainability, and education must uplift every community and individual, with the diaspora serving as a vital bridge between nations. 

Her speech concluded on a meaningful note as she led participants in the collective recitation of the Viksit Bharat and Aatmanirbhar Bharat Pledge, affirming their commitment to India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Reflecting on the event, Nair remarked: “This gathering beautifully showcases the unity, pride, and commitment of the Indian diaspora in Perth. Together, the community reaffirmed its dedication to a brighter future for Bharat Mata (Mother India) while also strengthening Australia’s role as a trusted partner in this journey of progress.” 

She acknowledged volunteers whose dedication brought the event to life despite limited preparation time, including Nipul Kumar, Deepak Gupta, Shankar Sukumaran, Shilpi Sirpaul, Satyam Mishra, Yash Dev, Tanay Patel, Minesh Manoharan, Rajiv Kurup, Pandit Ramana Bhat, Krina Panchal, Pinku Dalal, Rani Revan, Rakhi Bose, and Dhruval Patel. Special thanks were extended to Councillor Keyur Kamdar from the City of Armadale and Deepak Sharma, President of the Indian Society of Western Australia.

Beyond the formalities, the children enthusiastically participated in popular games, including the lemon-and-spoon race, sack race, and frog race, and the program concluded with winners being felicitated with medals and certificates, while participants of all ages completed the run.

Like Perth, similar scenes of participation in the run were also witnessed across Australia in Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, and extended to the United States in Houston, Atlanta, Chicago, Washington DC, New York, and Seattle.

In Washington DC, the Embassy of India in collaboration with MY Bharat under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, successfully organized the Viksit Bharat Run 2025 in Maryland. 

Under the theme “Run to Serve the Nation,” participants from the DMV area came together for a community run, expressing their commitment to Viksit Bharat 2047. Beyond fitness, the event celebrated Seva Bhav (the spirit of service) and echoed Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat, embodying India’s “Swadeshi ethos” and highlighting self-reliance, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility. A tree was also planted at the Jain Temple in Maryland to reinforce the link between personal responsibility and sustainability, contributing to a greener planet.

The CGI Houston, led by CG DC Manjunath, in partnership with Indo-American diaspora organizations, welcomed close to a thousand participants at George Bush Park for the Viksit Bharat Run 2025.

Fort Bend County Judge KP George, Jeff Syptak representing Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, Alice Lee representing Commissioner Lesley Briones’ office, Council Sanjay Singhal representing the Mayor of Sugarland, Council Abhijit Utturkar from the City of Fulshear, and prominent Indian diaspora leaders attended, emphasizing the global connection to India’s development story.

Atlanta also saw a strong turnout, with over 300 runners and numerous volunteers, hosted by CG Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan, alongside community organizations and leaders including Georgia Senator Shawn Still, Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry, Councilmen Dilip Tunki and Bob Erramilli, SEWA USA President Srikanth Gundavarapu, and Padma Shri awardee Dr. Dhananjay Diwakar Sagdeo. The community embraced the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (A Tree for a Loved One) campaign, gifting over 200 saplings to participants, symbolizing the link between personal responsibility and environmental sustainability.

The CGI Chicago, in partnership with the Global Indian Diaspora Foundation, also organized the run, with speakers highlighting India’s development journey and India–USA partnership. A sapling was planted by CG Somnath Ghosh as part of the environmental campaign.

In New York, the CGI in partnership with the Indian American community, hosted the run in New Jersey, celebrating India’s innovation, development, and enduring India–US friendship. The CGI Seattle, led by CG Prakash Gupta, also held an event at Bellevue Downtown Park, promoting fitness, unity, and the shared aspiration for a developed India.

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