By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

 The Embassy of India, Seoul successfully organized a mini-marathon event ‘Viksit Bharat Run 2025 (Developed India Run)’ on September 28, 2025 as part of a global campaign across 150+ cities in the world.

The vibrant mini marathon event aimed at fostering community spirit, promoting fitness, a healthy lifestyle, and also highlighted India's journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Despite heavy rain, 120+ members of the Indian diaspora & Friends of India in Korea joined the spirited 3 km run, celebrating fitness, unity & India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. Among the distinguished guests were Mr. Choi Jin-young, CEO and Publisher of Herald Media Group; Mr. Anupam Tripathi, a well-known Indian actor based in South Korea; and Mr. Yechan C.Lee, a social media influencer, along with other prominent representatives of the Indian community.

The event commenced with opening remarks by Chargé d’Affaires, Mr. Nishikant Singh, who highlighted the importance of the Viksit Bharat Run in fostering collective action towards India’s developmental aspirations.

This was followed by a congratulatory address from Mr. Choi Jin-young, CEO and Publisher of Herald Media Group, who underscored the strong India-ROK partnership and the role of the event in enhancing people-to-people ties. Brief remarks were also shared by Mr. Anupam Tripathi and Mr. Yechan Lee. The marathon was officially flagged off by Chargé d’Affaires, Mr. Nishikant Singh, together with Mr. Choi Jin-young, marking the symbolic commencement of the run.

The mini marathon commenced at 7:30 AM from the Embassy premises and concluded at 9:00 AM, following a scenic 3-kilometer route through the Embassy of India – UN Village – Embassy of India.

After the conclusion of the marathon, a small Indian community connect program was also held in the Embassy premises, followed by an interaction session.

The Viksit Bharat Run, 2025 organized under the theme “Run to Serve the Nation”, reflects India’s vision to transform India into a $30tn economy by 2047, with a focus on prosperity, sustainability, innovation & inclusive growth for all citizens.