Running Toward Tomorrow: The Viksit Bharat Run 2025 Goes Global
On September 28, 2025, something extraordinary happened. Across more than 150 cities worldwide—from Bangkok to Beirut, Sydney to Seattle—thousands of people laced up their running shoes for a cause much bigger than fitness. The Viksit Bharat Run 2025 marked its first-ever global edition, transforming a simple community run into a powerful statement of unity, service, and shared vision.
Organized by India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, the event embodied a simple yet profound theme: “Run to Serve the Nation“. As part of Seva Pakhwada, a fortnight dedicated to service from September 17 to October 2, this initiative brought together the Indian diaspora, local communities, and friends of India in an unprecedented celebration of collective responsibility.
More Than Just a Run
What made this event special wasn’t just the impressive turnout or the stunning locations. It was the spirit behind it. In Washington D.C., participants didn’t just complete their 5K—they planted trees at a Jain temple in Maryland as part of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (A Tree in Mother’s Name) campaign, linking their personal commitment to environmental stewardship with the broader vision of a sustainable future.
Chicago’s story was equally inspiring. Nearly 100 runners gathered at Twin Lakes in Palatine, representing 15 different community organizations. Together, they recited pledges for Viksit Bharat (Developed India) and Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), their voices united in commitment to India’s development journey toward 2047. The tree plantation initiative continued at the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, where over 100 participants, including enthusiastic children, dug their hands into the earth to plant saplings—a symbolic gesture that transcended borders and generations.
From the Bay Area, where Consul General Dr. Srikar Reddy led the community in taking the Viksit Bharat pledge, to Atlanta, where Georgia State Senator Shawn Still and Mayor John Bradberry joined the run, the event demonstrated something powerful: service knows no boundaries.
A Movement of Values
As High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami eloquently noted in the United Kingdom, this wasn’t merely about running. It represented the Indian community’s commitment to contributing meaningfully wherever they reside, embodying the spirit of service that defines the diaspora worldwide.
The runs became vibrant platforms showcasing India’s achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, technology, and education while fostering deeper connections between Indians abroad, Persons of Indian Origin, and their local communities. From London to New York, from Seoul to Nairobi, the message was clear: development isn’t just about economic growth—it’s about inclusivity, sustainability, and global responsibility.
One World, One Family
The Viksit Bharat Run 2025 beautifully captured the ancient Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—”the world is one family.” What began as individual community runs evolved into a global movement, seamlessly weaving together personal fitness, environmental consciousness, and nation-building aspirations.
As participants crossed finish lines from Tokyo to Tanzania, from Rome to Riyadh, they weren’t just completing a run. They were affirming their role in shaping a brighter future—for India, for their adopted homes, and for the planet. In a world often divided, these simultaneous celebrations of service reminded us that when we run together, we run toward hope.
