New Consul General In Los Angeles Flags Off Viksit Bharat Run

India-West Staff Reporter

CERRITOS, CA — The first community engagement of Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, the newly appointed Consul General of India in Los Angeles, was marked by the Viksit Bharat Run 2025, held on September 28 at Don Knabe Community Regional Park, here.

The event was part of a global initiative organized in coordination with MY Bharat under India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

In addition to Cerritos, companion runs were also organized in Irvine and Riverside, signaling the formal start of CGI Los Angeles’ outreach activities under Srinivasa’s leadership.

The run in Cerritos drew over 200 participants, including members of the Indian diaspora, students, professionals, local community leaders, and friends of India. Held under the theme “Run to Serve the Nation” and coinciding with Seva Pakhwada (September 17–October 2), the event joined more than 150 international locations in celebrating service, fitness, and sustainability.

Flagging off the run, Srinivasa administered the Viksit Bharat and Aatmanirbhar Bharat pledges and emphasized the deeper meaning of the gathering. “This event is more than a fitness activity,” he said. “It celebrates the ideals of seva bhav and echoes the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. It embodies India’s Swadeshi ethos, highlighting the collective call for self-reliance, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility.”

He praised the enthusiasm of the Southern California community, calling the run a “powerful statement of collectiveness” and a platform that united diaspora engagement with youth mobilization. Srinivasa added that the event reinforced the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “the world is one family.”

Local leaders including Artesia City Councilwoman Zeel Jignesh Ahir and Ashok Patnaik, Vice Chairman of Parks & Commissioner for Cerritos, attended the event and lauded the initiative for strengthening India–U.S. relations.

Several Indian diaspora organizations partnered to make the run a success, including the Indian Association of Los Angeles, United Indian Associations of Southern California, Americans 4 Hindus, United Indian American Association, American Hindus for Humanity, ISHA Foundation, Overseas Friends of BJP, Telangana American Telugu Association, India International Impact, and Vibha.