Chandigarh, November 30 - The Vice President of India, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, today participated as the Chief Guest in the All India Devasthanam Conference organized on the occasion of the National Gita Mahotsav-2025 in Kurukshetra, Haryana.
Haryana Chief Minister Shri Naib Singh Saini, Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the Vice President said that he feels very honoured to stand on the sacred land of Kurukshetra, the land of Vedas. He said that this holy place has been revered for thousands of years as the place where Lord Shri Krishna imparted the knowledge of Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna. He said that Kurukshetra reminds us that religion ultimately triumphs over unrighteousness, no matter how powerful the unrighteousness may be.
The Vice President described the Bhagavad Gita as more than a religious text, a universal scripture for religious living, courageous action and enlightened consciousness. He stressed that Lord Krishna's appeal to focus on one's karma, guided by religion, is the key to living a meaningful and purposeful life.
Stressing the importance of building a strong character, he said that character is more important than wealth or other worldly achievements. He said that the Gita guides humanity to live a virtuous and disciplined life and reminds us, like Lord Krishna, that moral strength comes from clarity of purpose and dedication to righteousness.
Expressing the hope that in a rapidly changing era, the Gita will guide individuals, societies and nations towards peace and brotherhood, the Vice President spoke about the importance of its local relevance.
Appreciating the growth of the event, he said that the annual Gita Jayanti has evolved into a global cultural and spiritual festival in the last nine years. He congratulated the Haryana Government and Chief Minister Shri Naib Singh Saini for establishing the festival on the international stage and taking Haryana to new heights of progress.
The Vice President expressed satisfaction that the International Gita Mahotsav showcases the virtues of Lord Krishna, the teachings of Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and the rich cultural heritage of Sanatan Dharma in a simple manner for people of all ages.
He praised the Mahotsav as a platform that reinforces the values ??that have kept India alive for centuries - religion, responsibility, self-discipline and the quest for excellence. He said that these values ??are the foundation of the national vision of a self-reliant India and a developed India by 2047 as articulated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
The Vice President also appreciated the conference organized by the Kurukshetra Vikas Board and Gita Gyan Sansthan, which brought together saints, scholars, technologists, artists and cultural leaders from across India. He said that such events deepen dialogue, strengthen cultural exchange and inspire the young minds to see the Bhagavad Gita not as a scripture, but as a living guide of courage, humility and knowledge.
Concluding his address, Shri CP Radhakrishnan appealed to all those present to imbibe the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, act according to religion, acquire knowledge, embrace peace and contribute to the welfare of humanity. Earlier, Vice President Shri CP Radhakrishnan visited the Maa Bhadrakali Shaktipeeth Temple in Kurukshetra and offered prayers.