The High Commission of India in Colombo, jointly with MY Bharat under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, and in collaboration with the Indian Cultural Association, organised the Viksit Bharat Run 2025 on 28 September 2025, starting from the iconic Galle Face Green in Colombo. Held simultaneously across more than 150 international locations, the event became a truly global celebration of service, fitness, and sustainability. The run in Colombo reinforced the vision of Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, celebrating Viksit Bharat (a Developed India by 2047) and highlighting the deep-rooted bonds of friendship and goodwill between India and Sri Lanka.
The 5 km run in Colombo drew enthusiastic participation from the Indian Diaspora, Sri Lankan citizens, students, residents of Colombo, and friends of India. The run was flagged off by the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, H.E. Santosh Jha, along with distinguished guests including Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports – Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage, Minister of Energy – Hon. Kumara Jayakody, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development – Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha, Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs – Hon Eranga Gunasekara, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy – Hon. Eranga Weeraratne, and Deputy Minister of Sports – Hon. Sugath Thilakarathne. Industry leaders, film stars, and social media influencers also joined the event in large numbers. Altogether, more than 2000+ participants took part in the run.
Under the theme “Run to Serve the Nation,” participants from Colombo came together for the 5-kilometre community run, turning the event into a powerful statement of unity. More than just a fitness activity, the event celebrated the ideals of the spirit of service. In his address, High Commissioner H.E. Santosh Jha called upon the Indian Diaspora to rededicate themselves to India’s Swadeshi ethos, highlighting the Prime Minister’s call for self-reliance, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility.
The turnout was remarkable, with approximately 1,500 runners, 300 volunteers, and numerous community organizations coming together to make the event a grand success. The run not only brought Colombo closer to India but also reinforced the shared aspirations of India and Sri Lanka for growth, innovation, and mutual prosperity.
Pledge for a Viksit Bharat and Aatmanirbhar Bharat
After the five-kilometre run, the Indian Diaspora came together for the collective recitation of the Viksit Bharat and Aatmanirbhar Bharat pledge, committing to contribute to India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Following the Viksit Bharat Run, the High Commissioner H.E. Santosh Jha, along with officials of the High Commission of India, conducted a cleanliness drive at Galle Face Green, reinforcing the message of Swachhotsav 2025 and the shared commitment to clean and green surroundings.”
Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam: A Green Commitment
In addition to the run, the High Commissioner of India, along with Sri Lankan cricket legend Aravinda de Silva, planted trees at India House on 26 September under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”(Plant for Mother) campaign, highlighting the connection between personal responsibility and environmental sustainability. This act served as a living reminder of India’s and Sri Lanka’s shared commitment to building a greener planet.
Diaspora Engagement and Global Partnerships
The Viksit Bharat Run was conducted in collaboration with the enthusiastic support of Indian Diaspora organizations in Sri Lanka. Community groups, cultural bodies, and local sports enthusiasts actively engaged with the High Commission of India in Colombo to make the run a success. The event reinforced the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – “the world is one family.” Members of the Indian Diaspora and friends of India ran together, reaffirming the strong bonds of friendship with India. A Diaspora Information Kiosk was set up at Galle Face Green during the Viksit Bharat Run, to provide consular assistance and information on Government of India programs for Diaspora.
A Landmark Global Celebration
The Viksit Bharat Run 2025, being simultaneously organized in 150 cities across the world, carries a strong message of unity, resilience, and shared responsibility.
