By: Alieu Ceesay
Indians in The Gambia, led by His Excellency Mr. Dinkar Asthana, organised an evening of exercise at the renovated Independence Stadium in Bakau.
The event involved running, walking, or jogging, under the name ‘India-The Gambia Friendship Run 2026’, celebrating the spirit of service, unity, and collective progress. It also reaffirmed India’s collective commitment to building self-reliant and developed nations.
“This is not just a ‘run’—it is a landmark event of service, resilience, and unity,” said High Commissioner of India to The Gambia, H.E. Mr. Dinkar Asthana.
This initiative is part of the larger observance by the Government of India of Seva Pakhwada, or the Fortnight of Service, celebrated from 17 September to 2 October as Seva Parva—a festival of service. Rooted in the timeless Indian value of Seva Bhav, or the Spirit to Serve, “this period reminds us that true progress lies not only in personal success but also in collective responsibility, compassion, and contribution to society, to our country,” added Mr. Dinkar Asthana.
Started in 2025 as a public outreach and fitness initiative aligned with India’s broader vision of “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047, the run promotes fitness, discipline, community participation, youth engagement, and awareness of India’s development journey. It also offers an opportunity to communicate the values of healthy living, national development, social responsibility, and people-to-people connections.
Yorro Njie, Secretary General of the Gambia Olympic Committee, expressed support for Gambia-India cooperation in advancing these initiatives, thanking the organisers for staging such a healthy event.
Yashika Gidwani, one of the participants, shared her joyful memories of the event:
“I really loved it. It was fantastic. There should be more opportunities like this, especially for health and fitness. I mean, it is the future. And the more we push ourselves, the prouder we feel for our dedication. Getting involved is a big deal.”
The event attracted people from various walks of life, including participants from The Gambia Immigration Department, among others. At the end of the event participants were certified with certificate of participation.
