Speech by Ambassador Y. K. Sailas Thangal
at Viksit Bharat Run 2026
(Astana, 26 September 2026)

Akim of Baikonur District, Excellency Nurlan Alimzhanov,
Distinguished guests, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,

May I request you to kindly rise and observe two minutes silence in solemn tributes to the Kazakh servicemen who lost their lives in the line of duty during the military exercises in the Caspian Sea on 24 September 2026. Let us honour their sacrifice, express our deepest condolences to their families and colleagues and stand in solidarity with the people of kazakhstan in this moment of grief.

It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the Viksit Bharat Run 2026, here at this beautiful and iconic venue of the Rowing Canal in Astana. I am delighted to see so many of you joining us over the weekend, despite your busy schedules.

Today, we are organizing the second edition of the Viksit Bharat Run in Astana as part of Seva Pakhwada—the fortnight of service being observed from 17 September which is the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi culminating on 2 October, which happens to the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. I also look forward to welcoming you here on 2 October to commemorate the International Day of Non-Violence.

This year, the Viksit Bharat Run is being organized by Indian Missions in more than 150 important cities around the world, with the theme “Run to Serve the Nation.” It seeks to inspire the Indian diaspora to contribute to the vision of a developed and self-reliant India, while promoting unity, youth participation, community service and global partnerships.

The spirit of Seva Pakhwada reflects the timeless Indian philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the world is one family. It reminds us of our shared responsibility towards one another and towards our planet. Here in Astana, this event brings together the Indian diaspora and our Kazakh friends, strengthening the warm bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Kazakhstan.

The Run also reflects the vision of Viksit Bharat, an India that is developed, innovative, self-reliant and inclusive. The call for Aatmanirbhar Bharat encourages entrepreneurship, innovation and local enterprise while preserving India's rich cultural heritage.

Alongside Today's Run, we are also undertaking the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” tree plantation initiative, jointly with the Mayor of Baikonur District. Planting a tree is a simple but meaningful expression of our responsibility towards Mother Nature and towards a greener and healthier planet.

As part of Seva Pakhwada, I invite our Embassy officials and members of the Indian diaspora to take two pledges: the Viksit Bharat Pledge, committing ourselves to contributing towards a developed India, and the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Pledge, affirming our commitment to innovation, self-reliance and India's cultural legacy.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Akim of Astana City and the Akim of Baikonur District and his team for their valuable support in organizing Today's event at this special location, beside the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. Your cooperation has made this celebration possible and further reflects the friendship between our two countries.

Thank you.

Jai Hind!

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