Chandigarh, September 24:- A meeting with representatives of religious and social organisations of Kurukshetra was held under the chairmanship of Haryana Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini at Gita Gyan Sansthanam, Kurukshetra, on Thursday regarding the organisation of the International Gita Mahotsav-2026. Representatives of various organisations placed their suggestions and views before the Chief Minister regarding the organisation of the Mahotsav. The Chief Minister appealed to all organisations to work together to make the Mahotsav grand, dignified and a celebration marked by people’s participation.
Gita is a scripture that provides light amid the struggles of life - Chief Minister
The Chief Minister said that the Gita is not merely a religious scripture but a message that provides direction to life. Referring to Mahatma Gandhi’s views on the Gita, he said that Gandhi considered the Gita a scripture that provided guidance and courage during difficult circumstances and struggles in life. Similarly, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak laid special emphasis on the Gita’s Karma Yoga and gave the message of devotion to duty and continuing to perform one’s actions. Referring to the views of Shri Aurobindo, the Chief Minister said that the message of the Gita is not about turning away from life, but about giving life a better direction through action and spiritual consciousness.
The Chief Minister said that efforts should be made through the International Gita Mahotsav to take this message of the Gita to the masses. The message of the Gita should remain at the centre of every activity of the Mahotsav, and every person visiting the event should return with the culture of Kurukshetra and the message of the Gita.
‘Clean Kurukshetra, Sacred Kurukshetra’ to become a collective resolve
The Chief Minister said that everyone would have to work together to ensure that the environment of Kurukshetra remains clean, beautiful and well-organised in keeping with the dignity of the land of the Gita. He appealed to make ‘Clean Kurukshetra, Sacred Kurukshetra’ a collective resolve. He also appealed for special attention to cleanliness at temples, ashrams, dharamshalas, markets and public places and for cooperation in creating a plastic-free environment.
He said that devotees and tourists arriving from across the country and abroad should be welcomed in the spirit of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, so that everyone visiting Kurukshetra feels a sense of belonging and respect.
Kurukshetra’s squares to be developed on Mahabharata-era theme
The Chief Minister said that all major squares of Kurukshetra would be developed on a Mahabharata-era theme. This would help showcase the historical and cultural identity of Kurukshetra in different parts of the city. He said that the endeavour is to make the entire city of Kurukshetra reflect the spirit of the city of the Gita and Lord Shri Krishna.
The Chief Minister invited religious and social organisations to cooperate in the preparations for the Mahotsav at their respective levels and share their suggestions with the administration. He said that the Mahotsav could be given a broad form of people’s participation only through the partnership of organisations and citizens.
All organisations should participate in Gita Mahotsav with harmony - Swami Gyananand Maharaj
On the occasion, Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Maharaj said that all religious and social organisations should join the International Gita Mahotsav in a spirit of harmony. This would enhance the pride of the pilgrimage centre, Kurukshetra and everyone associated with it. He said that along with the administration, all organisations should also come forward and contribute to the cleanliness campaign.
He appealed to every individual and organisation to join the ‘18 Minutes in the Name of the Gita’ initiative. He said that the message of awareness about the Gita would become meaningful only when the principles of the Gita are also reflected in our conduct. He said that it is the duty of everyone to carry forward the glory of the Gita and that the initiative to adopt the principles of the Gita in one’s life should be made an important part of the Mahotsav.
The meeting was attended by BJP State President Smt. Archana Gupta, former Minister of State Shri Subhash Sudha, Honorary Secretary of Kurukshetra Development Board Shri Upendra Singhal, Chief Minister’s OSD Shri Bharat Bhushan Bharti, along with spiritual leaders, representatives and other dignitaries of various religious and social organisations of Kurukshetra.
