Chicago Hosts Viksit Bharat Run Celebrating Seva and Unity
The Consulate General of India in Chicago, in collaboration with MY Bharat (Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports), the Global Indian Diaspora Foundation, and FIA-Chicago, hosted the Viksit Bharat Run 2025 at Twin Lakes in Palatine, Illinois. The event formed part of the global initiative Viksit Bharat @ 2047, which envisions India’s transformation into a developed nation, and coincided with Seva Pakhwada/Seva Parv (September 17–October 2, 2025), a fortnight dedicated to service, collective responsibility, and community solidarity.
The highlight of the celebration was a 3 km Community Run, where families, students, and members of the Indian diaspora joined together to promote health, unity, and cultural pride. Participants took pledges affirming their commitment to Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat, reaffirming their connection to India’s vision for progress. The event also featured a symbolic tree plantation under the initiative “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (One Tree in the Name of Mother), reinforcing environmental responsibility and sustainability.
Among the notable participants was Hindi Khabar’s U.S. representative Vandana Jeevan, who planted a tree alongside community members, emphasizing the role of the diaspora and media in shaping a shared cultural narrative.
Addressing the gathering, Consul General Somnath Ghosh highlighted the deeper significance of the event. “The Viksit Bharat Run is not just about fitness—it is about seva, unity, and progress,” he said. He pointed out that India is now the world’s fourth-largest economy, growing faster than most major nations, and stressed the important role of the Indian-American community in enhancing India-U.S. partnerships in trade, technology, and innovation. He described the run as a symbol of the shared journey of India and the United States toward mutual prosperity.
Rakesh Malhotra, Founder of the Global Indian Diaspora Foundation, echoed this sentiment, saying, “If India runs, it will go from fourth to third, from third to second, and then to number one. For us in the diaspora, this is a matter of great pride. Wherever we live, our culture spreads fragrance, and through this initiative, we connect our roots to India’s growth story.”
The event drew a large and enthusiastic crowd, showcasing the strength of the diaspora’s commitment to India’s development goals. It also set the tone for upcoming Consulate-led initiatives, including observances for World AIDS Day and World Heart Day, further underlining the importance of holistic community welfare.
By combining fitness, service, and cultural values, the Viksit Bharat Run 2025 in Chicago strengthened the bond between the Indian diaspora and their homeland, reaffirming their role in India’s collective journey toward becoming a developed Bharat by 2047.
