2025 Viksit Bharat Run a success in Jamaica
Published:Monday | October 13, 2025 | 12:09 AM
The High Commission of India, in collaboration with the Indian community, successfully organised the Viksit Bharat Run 2025 on September 28 at the scenic Hope Royal Botanical Gardens and Hope Zoo in Kingston.
The three-kilometre run brought together nearly 200 participants of all ages and backgrounds, who enjoyed the fresh morning atmosphere of the Hope Gardens.
Dignitaries present for the run included Alok Jain, adviser to Jamaica Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness; Carla Myrie, director of Hope Gardens; and Gina Harrison, sprinter and race organiser. In addition to the Indian community members, many friends of India, media and diplomats also participated in the event.
High Commissioner of India to Jamaica Mayank Joshi administered the Viksit Bharat Pledge to participants, reaffirming the collective commitment towards realising the vision of a developed India by 2047, as articulated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The event concluded with the distribution of medals and Viksit Bharat T-shirts, with winners being specially recognised.
Prominent Indian origin and community members Kenny Benjamin, chairman of the Hope Zoo Preservation Foundation; Gul Mansukhani; Rohit Gangwani; Dr Nagendrababu Chandolu; and Sam Narwani were among those who contributed to organising the event.
The marathon run was co-managed by the High Commission and Running Events Jamaica, and included race timing, music, medical aid, water and refreshment.
The Viksit Bharat Run 2025 is a global initiative held in more than 130 cities across the world, commemorating the contributions of the Indian diaspora and friends of India in building a stronger, self-reliant India. It forms part of the Seva Pakhwada observance (September 17 – October 2), a fortnight dedicated to service, responsibility, and shared action inspired by India’s civilisational value of Seva Bhav (spirit of service).