CERRITOS, CALIFORNIA: The United Indian Associations of Southern California (UIASC), in association with the Consulate General of India, Los Angeles, successfully organized the Viksit Bharat Run 2026 – Los Angeles on Saturday, September 26, at the Cerritos Sports Complex, 19900 Bloomfield Ave., Cerritos, CA 90703.
More than 150 children, youth, adults and senior citizens participated, reflecting the vibrant spirit of Southern California’s Indian American community—a community moving forward together. Centered on “Viksit Bharat 2047 – Bigger Dreams, Stronger India,” the event promoted health, community service, youth engagement and stronger India–U.S. ties under the message: “Run Together • Build a Healthier Community • Support a Stronger India.”
Consul General Inaugurated and Joined the Run
Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, Consul General of India in Los Angeles, served as Guest of Honor, inaugurated the Run and personally joined participants, interacting with and encouraging community members throughout the event.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Srinivasa highlighted the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and Samarth Bharat, emphasizing the role that Indians and people of Indian origin worldwide can play through their ideas, knowledge, innovation, entrepreneurship and service.
His message to young Indian Americans was particularly significant: dream big, remain connected with India, and use education, talent and creativity to become the innovators, entrepreneurs and global leaders of tomorrow.
Dr. Srinivasa also spoke about expanding connections between India and Southern California, including the Mumbai–Los Angeles sister-city partnership, as an opportunity for greater cultural, educational, economic and people-to-people engagement. He also highlighted the India–U.S. Trade Portal, encouraging entrepreneurs, professionals and businesses to explore opportunities for stronger commercial connections between the two countries.
Health, Community and Inclusion
The free community event brought generations together around the message “Healthy People • Stronger Communities • Viksit Bharat.” Complimentary food and brunch were provided, participants received FREE T-Shirts, FREE Commemorative medals, and awards were presented for the RUN by the Consul General in Under-19, Youth (19–30), Adult (31–65) and Senior (65+) categories.
Representing the diversity of Southern California’s Indian community, participating and supporting organizations included IALA, GOPIO, Sanatan Bengali Society, Los Angeles Hindu Temple, SMAP, Maharashtra Mandal LA, Aikotaan, NFIA, Step2Step, IASA, OFBJP, Telugu Association of Southern California, Kannada Association of Southern California and VHP- LA.
The event reflected the spirit of “Run for Unity. Run for Progress.” Different ages and backgrounds came together with one finish line and one shared spirit of progress.
Recognition of Public and Community Leadership
The California State Assembly recognized Consul General Dr. K. J. Srinivasa for his public service and engagement with Southern California communities. Dr. Sukrit Mukherjee and Ashok (Pat) Patnaik were also recognized for their public service and leadership, including their respective roles as city commissioners. Community leaders like Kewal Kanda, Sudip Gorakshakar, Hark Vasa, Aparna Hande, Anila Bhasin and others were additionally honored for their contributions to the Indian diaspora.
Media partners SoCal Channel, India West, India Post and TV Asia supported the event and helped amplify its messages of wellness, youth leadership, community engagement and India–America friendship.
Leadership, Family and the Work Behind the Event
The Run’s success was the result of extensive work by UIASC leadership, members, families, volunteers, community organizations and supporters, encompassing permits, logistics, registration, outreach, food and hospitality, medals and awards, publicity and on-site coordination.
Dr. Sukrit Mukherjee, UIASC President and Commissioner for the City of Cypress, together with his family, played a significant hands-on role across virtually every aspect of the planning and execution, dedicating substantial time and personal effort to coordinating the many components necessary to deliver the event successfully.
Special recognition was given to Ashok (Pat) Patnaik, UIASC Advisor and Commissioner for the City of Cerritos, whose contribution was instrumental in coordinating venue arrangements and facilitating the process associated with securing the necessary permit. Kewal Kanda, UIASC Chairman and Sudip Gorakshakar, UIASC Advisor, also provided extensive leadership towards successful execution of the event, supported by UIASC advisers, committee leaders, members and volunteers.
Key outreach and event leadership included Jayesha Mukherjee, Anila Bhasin, Aparna Hande, Hasmukh Modi, Surekha Modi and Nila Parikh, along with many other dedicated UIASC members and community volunteers.
Dr. Sukrit Mukherjee stated: “Viksit Bharat Run 2026 was much more than a run. It brought children, youth, adults and seniors together around health, service, friendship and a shared vision for the future. We are especially grateful to Consul General Dr. K. J. Srinivasa for personally joining the Run and inspiring our younger generation to dream big, innovate and remain connected with India. UIASC sincerely thanks the Consulate General of India, our community organizations, media partners, volunteers and every participant who made this a truly collective celebration.”
One Community, One Shared Future
The Viksit Bharat Run 2026 – Los Angeles connected health with community, youth with opportunity, heritage with the future, and entrepreneurship with international collaboration. It demonstrated how families, organizations and generations can come together around a shared commitment to service and progress.
When generations run together, communities grow stronger. When communities connect, ideas become opportunities. And when people move forward together, they help build a healthier community, a stronger India and a brighter shared future.
ABOUT UIASC
The United Indian Associations of Southern California (UIASC) is a nonprofit community organization promoting cultural, civic, educational, health, youth and community-service initiatives. Guided by “Together We Thrive for a Stronger Community,” UIASC works to strengthen cooperation within the Indian-American community while promoting engagement with the broader Southern California community.
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