The High Commission of India in Colombo, in partnership with MY Bharat under India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Indian Cultural Association, organised the Viksit Bharat Run 2025 on Sunday (28) at Galle Face Green.
The event, held simultaneously in more than 150 cities worldwide, celebrated fitness, service, and sustainability while underscoring Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of achieving a developed India by 2047.
In Colombo, the 5 km community run attracted over 2,000 participants, including members of the Indian diaspora, Sri Lankan citizens, students, and friends of India. The run was flagged off by Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha, together with Sri Lankan ministers Sunil Kumara Gamage, Kumara Jayakody, Dr. Anil Jayantha, Eranga Gunasekara, Eranga Weeraratne, and Sugath Thilakarathne. Industry leaders, film stars, and social media influencers also joined the initiative.
Under the theme “Run to Serve the Nation,” participants pledged their commitment to India’s development journey. High Commissioner Jha urged the diaspora to embrace India’s Swadeshi ethos, self-reliance, and environmental responsibility. Following the run, the Indian diaspora collectively recited the “Viksit Bharat” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” pledges.
The event also featured a cleanliness drive at Galle Face Green as part of Swachhotsav 2025. On 26 September, Jha and Sri Lankan cricket legend Aravinda de Silva planted trees at India House under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, reinforcing shared commitments to environmental sustainability.
The Viksit Bharat Run, supported by Indian diaspora organisations in Sri Lanka, highlighted the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – “the world is one family.” A Diaspora Information Kiosk was also set up to provide consular assistance and details of government programmes.
Officials said the run not only strengthened people-to-people ties but also reflected the shared aspirations of India and Sri Lanka for growth, innovation, and prosperity. (Newswire)
