Indian Consulate, Global Indian Diaspora Fdn., celebrate India’s vision for 2047

India’s Consul General in Chicago Somnath Ghosh, addressing the gathering at the #Viksit Bharat Run, Sept. 28, 2025, in Palatine, Ill.

Chicago, IL – September 28, 2025 – The Consulate General of India, Chicago, jointly with MY Bharat, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, and in collaboration with the Global Indian Diaspora Foundation and FIA-Chicago, hosted the Viksit Bharat Run 2025 at Twin Lakes, Palatine, IL.

The event formed part of the global initiative Viksit Bharat @ 2047 and was a highlight of the Seva Pakhwada/Seva Parv (September 17 – October 2, 2025)—a fortnight dedicated to seva (service), collective responsibility, and community spirit.

The crowd gathered for the #Viksit Bharat Run in Palatine, Ill.

The Indian Consulate along with MY Bharat, Global Indian Diaspora Foundation, and FIA-Chicago, also hosted a 3 km Community Run at Twin Lakes, Palatine, as part of Seva Pakhwada/Seva Parv. Participants took the Viksit Bharat & Atmanirbhar Bharat pledges, and trees were planted under “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.” With inspiring messages from Consul General Somnath Ghosh and Rakesh Malhotra, the event aimed at building a united diaspora, bringing together families and friends of India in celebrating health, seva, and India’s vision of a Developed Bharat @ 2047.

Participants in the #Viksit Bharat Run in Palatine, Illinois

The “One Tree in the Name of Mother” (Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam), saplings were planted at the venue to symbolize sustainability and responsibility toward Mother Earth. Hindi Khabar’s U.S. representative Vandana Jeevan planted a tree alongside community members, reinforcing the unifying role of the diaspora and media partners.

Somnath Ghosh, Consul General of India in Chicago, extended festival greetings and emphasized the broader vision. He said, “The Viksit Bharat Run is not just about fitness—it is about seva, unity, and progress. India today is the world’s fourth largest economy, growing at the fastest pace among major nations. Our diaspora plays a vital role in strengthening India-U.S. partnerships in trade, technology, and innovation. Today’s run symbolizes the shared journey of both India and the United States toward prosperity.”

Flyer advertising the #Viksit Bharat Run

The Consulate General of India, Chicago, invited the Indian diaspora, friends of India, local community members, and all Chicago-area residents to continue participating in upcoming events and service activities.

Rakesh Malhotra, Founder of Global Indian Diaspora Foundation, remarked about A Collective Spirit of Seva,

“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.”

Seva Pakhwada, also observed as Seva Parv, is a fortnight dedicated to service, responsibility, and collective effort, with activities held across India and abroad. In Chicago, the Viksit Bharat Run inspired civic participation, cultural pride, and community service, strengthening the bonds between the Indian diaspora and their homeland.

The celebration also set the stage for upcoming Consulate-led initiatives, including observances for World AIDS Day and World Heart Day, highlighting holistic community welfare.