Chandigarh, October 6 — The universal message of the Bhagavad Gita, delivered by Lord Krishna in Kurukshetra, reached new heights today at the International Gita Festival held on Japanese soil. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini participated as the chief guest, promoting India’s ancient culture and spiritual heritage to the global audience.
Addressing the gathering, CM Saini said the Gita is not merely a religious text but a guide to the art of living. Its teachings on karma yoga, truth, duty, and self-strength remain as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago. He emphasized that the Haryana government aims to spread the Gita’s universal principles worldwide, fostering peace, harmony, and collaboration among humanity.
He highlighted that the International Gita Festival in Japan, organized with the support of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, reflects the timeless legacy of the Gita. Kurukshetra, the sacred land where Lord Krishna delivered the Gita over 5,162 years ago, continues to inspire millions of devotees, especially during the annual Gita Jayanti celebrations. Over the years, the festival has also been observed internationally in countries including Mauritius, the UK, Canada, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. This year, it was organized in 40 Indian embassies worldwide.
CM Saini also underscored the centuries-old cultural ties between India and Japan, noting that Buddhism arrived in Japan from India in the 6th century, creating a shared cultural heritage. He described the Gita as a divine beacon of knowledge transcending time, geography, and boundaries, offering guidance for all of humanity. Philosophers and thinkers worldwide have looked to it for solutions to life’s challenges.
Speaking on its modern relevance, Saini said the Bhagavad Gita provides guidance for contemporary life management and fields like science, management, and medicine. Its teachings offer solutions to 21st-century challenges, emphasizing duty, righteous action, and adherence to social systems, thereby fostering global harmony.
He stated that hosting the Gita Festival in Japan symbolizes Haryana’s cultural heritage reaching beyond borders, promoting spiritual unity and global peace. The festival celebrated Krishna’s timeless wisdom as a living testament to cultural collaboration and universal values.
The event was attended by Haryana Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh, Chief Principal Secretary Rajesh Khullar, Principal Secretary Arun Kumar Gupta, Commissioner & Secretary of Industries and Commerce Dr. Amit Agrawal, Commissioner & Secretary of Foreign Cooperation Amneet P. Kumar, Managing Director of Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation and Director General of Industries & Commerce Dr. Yash Garg, along with other senior officials.
