Chandigarh, August 24 – Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced that this year’s International Gita Jayanti Mahotsav will be celebrated in Bali, Indonesia, from September 12 to 14. He said the festival has been organized abroad for several years, spreading the timeless message of the Bhagavad Gita across the world.
The Chief Minister was addressing intellectuals at the “Krishna-Kashyap Kurukshetra Pilgrimage-Dharmayatra” held at Gita Gyan Sansthanam in Kurukshetra. The ceremony, chaired by Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Maharaj, began with traditional rituals and Gita worship led by Saini.
Highlighting cultural pride and unity, Saini said Kashmiri Hindus have worked tirelessly to preserve their rich heritage despite facing displacement and hardships. He recalled the exodus of Kashmiri Hindus in 1990, noting that their knowledge and resilience helped them earn recognition on global platforms. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for understanding their pain and implementing historic rehabilitation schemes.
Saini stressed the spiritual connection between Kashmir and Kurukshetra, calling it a symbol of India’s cultural unity. He said the abrogation of Article 370 and Section 35-A under Modi’s leadership fulfilled the dream of an integrated India, giving Kashmiri women property rights. He noted that nearly two lakh Kashmiri Hindus live in Haryana, contributing to its development, while the state government continues to provide them reservation in education and support for heritage preservation.
Praising the efforts of Swami Gyananand Maharaj, Saini said Gita Gyan Sansthanam has become a global center for spreading the teachings of the Gita. He added that the philosophy of nishkam karma offers inspiration for India to become a developed nation by 2047.
Swami Gyananand Maharaj, addressing the gathering, said Kashmiris have deepened their spiritual and cultural ties with Kurukshetra. He announced that a large-scale Gita Mahotsav will soon be organized in Srinagar under the banner of Shrikrishna Kripa Seva Samiti. He emphasized that Kashmir’s spiritual identity is being re-established and courageous steps have paved the way for lasting peace.
The event was attended by former minister Subhash Sudha, CM’s OSD Raj Nehru, Kurukshetra University Vice Chancellor Prof. Somnath Sachdeva, and other dignitaries.
