Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini stated on Wednesday that the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra is not merely a religious event, but a living embodiment of Sanatan culture, social harmony, selfless service, and human welfare. Attending the grand Rath Yatra organized by ISKCON in Rajpura, Punjab, as the chief guest, the Chief Minister performed ceremonial rituals, pulled the ropes of the sacred chariot, and swept the path to promote the message of cleanliness and community service among assembled devotees.
Offering prayers at the feet of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra, Chief Minister Saini remarked that Lord Jagannath is the lord of all humanity, whose court recognizes no discrimination based on caste, class, status, or wealth. He emphasized that the thousands-of-years-old tradition highlights the foundational unity of India, where people from diverse backgrounds come together to pull the chariot, embodying the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ and the ancient ideal of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.’
Commending ISKCON for its ongoing social and spiritual contributions over the past two decades—including value-based education, cow protection, food distribution drives, and youth awakening programs—Saini praised the organizers and volunteers for fostering positive societal change. Former Haryana minister Aseem Goel along with other dignitaries and religious leaders participated in the procession.
