Speech of Ambassador for Viksit Bharat Run – 28 September 2025 
Astana, Kazakhstan

Deputy Mayor Mr. Azamat Malybayev, 
Distinguished guests, colleagues 

I welcome you you all to this event of Viksit Bharat Run in the beautiful and active city of Astana today.  We are happy to see you in large numbers, especially for the fact that you here on a Sunday, braving the cold weather of Astana. 

Let me dwell a bit on the significance of today’s event.  This is the first edition of the Viksit Bharat Run. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of the Government of India has taken this initiative during the Sewa Pakhwada (Service fortnight) being observed from 17th September to 2nd October starting with 75th birthday of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and concluding on the 156th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.  

During this fortnight of Seva Parv, the Viksit Bharat Run is organized not only just in Astana, but 150 other important cities of the world to encourage people everywhere to contribute towards building a self-reliant and developed India. With the theme “Run to Serve the Nation,” the Run offers an opportunity to showcase India’s achievements, promote unity, and amplify global partnerships while creating spaces for youth engagement, leadership development, and diaspora participation.

Astana was also selected by the Government of India as an important city for this event.  The Seva Parv, is a celebration of service, responsibility, and collective effort that reflects the values at the heart of Indian civilization.  The event in Astana has brought together the members of Indian diaspora and Kazakh friends of India to strengthen bonds of friendship between India and Kazakhstan that so happily exist.  Such events promote shared responsibility. 

This initiative builds upon the vision of PM Modi for empowering citizens and inspiring collective progress. Under his leadership, transformative reforms in infrastructure, digital technology, healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability have created new opportunities and strengthened India’s role as a global partner. His call for Aatmnirbhar Bharat, a self-reliant India, has inspired people to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship, and local enterprise while preserving cultural heritage.  

Through initiatives like Seva Pakhwada, communities are encouraged to take action and work together towards a prosperous and resilient future. As part of this initiative, participants are invited to take two meaningful pledges – the Viksit Bharat pledge, committing themselves to contribute towards building a developed India, and the Atmanirbhar Bharat pledge, reflecting the commitment to promote innovation, self-reliance, and honour India’s cultural legacy wherever they are. 

Today, alongside the Run, a special tree plantation drive called “Ek Ped Ke Naam” will be conducted across all participating important citites.  This initiative encourages participants to plant a tree in the name of Mother Nature,  symbolising care for the environment and shared responsibility. It also reinforces the connection between personal commitment and collective action in creating a greener, healthier planet.

We invite the Indian diaspora to actively participate, take pride in their heritage, and spread the spirit of Seva and Atmanirbhar Bharat across the world. By joining this initiative and taking these pledges, you not only contribute to India’s growth but also strengthen bonds with fellow Indians globally, helping create a network of support, inspiration, and shared purpose.

On this day, more than 100 locations across the world, including Astana,  will come together for the Viksit Bharat Run, making it a landmark event in celebrating service, unity, and resilience. We look forward to your participation and support in spreading the message of Seva, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and pride in India’s heritage. Let us work together towards creating a stronger, more inclusive, and developed India for generations to come.

I would also like to thank the Akim of Baikonur District and his team to facilitate the organization of the Viksit Bharat Run 2025 today at this beautiful and iconic location of the embankment of the Rowing Canal at the site of Mahatma Gandhi Statue.  Without their support, it would not have been possible to organize this event. So, thank you Mr. Akim.  

Now, I invite the members of Indian diaspora and Embassy officials to take the two Pledge with me - the Viksit Bharat pledge and the Atmanirbhar Bharat pledge.  

" I ………………..,    Pledge to contribute towards building a Viksit Bharat, irrespective of wherever I am.

I will support the movement of Bharat becoming Aatmanirbhar, which is the foundation of Viksit Bharat.

I promise to honour and carry forward my rich traditions, cultural and legacy

wherever I go.

Together, with these efforts, l will contribute to *making India a Viksit Bharat by
2047.
Thank you. Jai Hind 

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