Indian diplomatic missions across the Gulf region have launched a series of 'Seva Pakhwada' initiatives between 17 September and 2 October 2026, under the theme 'Swachhata Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat.' The campaign aims to engage the Indian diaspora in public service activities beyond traditional consular matters.
- Indian missions across the Gulf launched Seva Pakhwada from 17 September to 2 October 2026.
- Events include runs, park-cleaning, plantation drives, and school student participation.
- Activities highlight the civic role of the Indian diaspora in the region.
In Bahrain,
Charge d’Affaires Rajiv Kumar Mishra flagged off a 3-kilometre 'Viksit Bharat Run' on 18 September. Approximately 200 members of the Indian diaspora, including representatives from Samskruthi Bahrain, participated in the event. Following the run, participants recited the Viksit Bharat pledge and conducted a 'Swachhata Hi Seva' park-cleaning operation. Embassy photographs documented participants in official kits clearing debris from open grounds.
On 19 September,
the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi celebrated 'Seva Parv' to commemorate 25 years of public service by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The event featured participation from school students alongside members of the Indian People’s Forum, the Indian Business & Professional Council, the Indian Business and Professional Group, and the ICAI. In Kuwait, the Indian Embassy collaborated with the group ARMS4U and the KIPCO Group for an 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' plantation drive. Over 30 Indian community associations participated,
planting more than 60 saplings to promote green public spaces and honor mothers. These initiatives follow the global launch of 'Swachhata Hi Seva 2026' on 17 September, during which Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri administered the official pledge at the Ministry of External Affairs headquarters in New Delhi. Akashvani reported on the coordinated Gulf missions on the evening of 19 September, noting that further programs are scheduled across West Asia leading up to Gandhi Jayanti on 2 October. Official sources, including the Embassy of India in Bahrain's social media channels, confirmed the activities as part of the broader effort to highlight the civic role of the Indian diaspora. Observers are monitoring whether upcoming events in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman will expand participation to include blue-collar workers residing in labor camps.
