Kurukshetra, December 1 — The sacred grounds of Dharmakshetra–Kurukshetra echoed with the powerful message of the Bhagavad Gita on Monday as a grand global recitation was held at Keshav Park during the International Geeta Mahotsav. More than 21,000 children recited shlokas in unison, creating a divine atmosphere filled with devotion, knowledge and spirituality. The event showcased the Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, with participants from several countries joining the global chant. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini attended the ceremony and announced a special holiday for the participating school students on Tuesday. Yoga guru Baba Ramdev and Geeta scholar Swami Gyananand Maharaj were also present.
The Chief Minister extended greetings on the auspicious occasion of Margashirsha Shukla Ekadashi and Geeta Jayanti. He said the Gita continues to illuminate lives with its wisdom. He recalled that Lord Krishna delivered the Gita’s eternal teachings to Arjuna 5,163 years ago on the same day, and added that today’s mass recitation by thousands of students symbolised India’s spiritual strength. He said it was a matter of pride that people across India and several countries recited the same shlokas at the same time.
Saini said the Gita holds both spiritual and scientific importance. He explained that chanting Vedic mantras, the Upanishads and the Gita generates positive vibrations that calm the mind, strengthen thoughts and bring renewed energy.
The Chief Minister also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision transformed the Geeta Mahotsav into a global celebration. He recalled that Modi gifted the book The Gita According to Gandhi to former US President Barack Obama during his 2014 visit, inspiring the international observance of Geeta Jayanti since 2016. He added that PM Modi inaugurated the Mahabharata-themed Experience Centre in Kurukshetra on November 25, and mentioned it again during a public event in Udupi on November 28. Under the Prime Minister’s guidance, the festival has grown into a worldwide event.
Speaking on the Gita’s teachings, Saini said the verse “Karmanye vadhikaraste” guides individuals toward duty, discipline and balance. He said the Gita helps people rise above anger, desire, ego and attachment. Every shloka is a source of wisdom, and every chapter offers a path for life. He said regular recitation brings calmness and harmony, and if people adopt its teachings, conflicts and negativity would reduce significantly.
He added that the Gita is not limited to India but serves as a source of inspiration for all humanity. By following its teachings, society can overcome inequalities and discord, leading to a more harmonious world. He urged the public to understand, adopt and share the Gita’s wisdom.
Swami Gyananand Maharaj said the Gita is a scripture that shapes the character and confidence of the youth. He said Kurukshetra’s sacred land was chosen by Lord Krishna to deliver the Gita’s divine message. He praised the government’s efforts in expanding the International Geeta Mahotsav over the past decade. He said more than 21,000 students in Kurukshetra, over one lakh students from 114 Haryana blocks, and people from over 50 countries participated in the global recitation. He said the Gita offers solutions to all challenges and guides young people toward a brighter future.
Yoga guru Baba Ramdev said Kurukshetra continues to guide humanity through the wisdom of the Gita. He said the scripture provides pathways to heritage, development, knowledge and modern science. He added that the teachings of the Gita will help India become a developed nation by 2047. He praised the government for organising large-scale events like the International Geeta Mahotsav to inspire the youth. He said the Gita encourages young people to embrace knowledge and hard work, and to awaken the wisdom within.
Several dignitaries, including Baba Bhupendra Singh, Swami Master Maharaj, Kurukshetra University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Somnath Sachdeva, National Institute of Design Director Dr. Ramneek Kaur and former minister Subhash Sudha, shared their views.
Haryana Gau Sewa Aayog Chairman Shravan Garg, Haryana Saraswati Heritage Board Vice-Chairman Dhuman Singh Kirmach, Chairman Jaideep Arya, Chairman Dharmveer Mirzapur, CM’s OSD Bharat Bhushan Bharti, Swami Sampoorananand Maharaj, AYUSH University Vice-Chancellor Kartar Singh Dhiman and other eminent personalities were also present.
