Chandigarh: As part of the 10th International Gita Mahotsav, a two-day All India Devasthanam Conference was organized in Kurukshetra on Sunday, with Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan gracing the event as the chief guest. On this occasion, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini welcomed and congratulated the Vice President on his first visit to the sacred land of Dharmakshetra-Kurukshetra.
In his address, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that only a society that preserves its cultural heritage can impart strong moral values to its youth. In this spirit, the state government is deeply committed to safeguarding and passing on Haryana’s rich cultural legacy, the birthplace of the Vedas, Puranas and the Gita to the younger generation.
The Chief Minister stated that just as the Vice President serves as the guardian of constitutional traditions, saints and mahatmas serve as the custodians of India’s eternal traditions and spiritual heritage. Today, the sacred land of Kurukshetra is imbued with the energies of spirituality, knowledge and culture. During this period, the entire state of Haryana is illuminated with the vibrant spirit of the Gita, bringing together the spiritual power of pilgrimage sites from across the country.
He further said that this Devasthanam Conference holds special significance, as the dialogue on religion and spirituality taking place in the holy land of Kurukshetra provides new direction to India’s spiritual journey. Held in conjunction with the Gita Mahotsav, the conference’s impact and energy is amplified manifold.
Referring to the significance of Kurukshetra, the Chief Minister said that this sacred land is where Lord Krishna, through Arjuna, imparted the divine message of the Gita to humanity—a message that continues to guide the world along the eternal path of life. Holding the All India Devasthanam Conference here, therefore, carries special significance.
He emphasized that the primary objective of the conference is to promote dialogue among representatives of India’s sacred pilgrimage sites and shrines, facilitate cultural exchange, and share best practices in management. During the conference, saints shared their experiences and suggestions, reinforcing efforts to preserve India’s rich religious heritage for future generations.
Indian culture evolves with time but remains rooted in tradition
The Chief Minister said that the greatest strength of Indian culture lies in its ability to evolve with time while staying firmly rooted in its traditions. For centuries, pilgrimage sites have infused this culture with vitality. These sites serve as centers of devotion, knowledge, and life’s enduring values, guiding people toward a righteous path. Millions visit these sacred places to connect with their inner strength, and this conference represents a meaningful step in furthering this cultural journey.
The Saint-Mahapurush Samman and Vichar Prasar Yojana Spreads Spiritual Messages to the Youth
Nayab Singh Saini emphasized the profound connection between religious places and society. He said that where there are religious sites, there are saints and where there are saints, religious places are established. Saints have always been revered in Indian tradition. They sowed the seeds of culture, passed on values and principles from generation to generation, and helped build the great cultural nation of India. They spread the message of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—the world is one family—across the globe for the welfare of humanity. This is why India is recognized as the ‘World Guru’ in spirituality. Even today, the world looks to India for guidance in establishing mental peace and social values. He added that, in this spirit, the Haryana government is working to spread the teachings of saints and great personalities across the state through the “Saint-Mahapurush Samman and Vichar Prasar Yojana”, aiming to inspire and guide the younger generation through their lives and contributions.
Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gita Jayanti Celebrations Held Globally since 2016
The Chief Minister also said that, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the celebration of Gita Jayanti has been taken to an international level since 2016. Following his inspiration, Kurukshetra has hosted global Gita Jayanti celebrations, attracting participants from numerous countries and millions of devotees. Over the past nine years, the festival has grown immensely in popularity. In 2019, it was first celebrated abroad in Mauritius and London, and subsequently in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Japan.
All India Devasthanam Conference Shines in Kurukshetra: VP C.P. Radhakrishnan & CM Nayab Singh Saini Lead the Event. The event was attended by Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Maharaj, saints, members of the organizing committee, and devotees from India and abroad.
