Chandigarh (Haryana) [India], December 16 (HBTV): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for highlighting Kurukshetra’s heritage and the Mahabharat Anubhav Kendra during his monthly radio programme Mann ki Baat.
In a video message, the Chief Minister said the Prime Minister’s remarks were a matter of pride for the people of Haryana. ‘I extend heartfelt gratitude to PM Modi for specially mentioning the proud heritage of Kurukshetra and Haryana in Mann ki Baat. His appreciation of the Mahabharat Anubhav Kendra is an honour for us. The presentation of the Mahabharata through 3D light and sound and digital techniques is giving a new identity to Haryana’s cultural heritage at the global level,’ Saini said.
Referring to the growing global recognition of the International Gita Mahotsav, the Chief Minister said the event has showcased India’s cultural strength across continents. ‘Through the International Gita Mahotsav organised at Brahma Sarovar, the Prime Minister mentioned how inspiration from the Gita is spreading across the world. Discussion of the Gita Mahotsav from Saudi Arabia to Europe, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania and Central Asia is a symbol of India’s cultural power. This became possible only under the leadership of the Prime Minister,’ he said, adding that the Haryana government remains committed to further enriching the state’s cultural heritage and developing Kurukshetra as a leading global spiritual hub.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi lauded the International Gita Mahotsav, noting that people from across the world are drawing inspiration from the Bhagavad Gita. Addressing the nation during the 128th episode of Mann ki Baat, he said that for the first time the Gita was presented on a public platform in Saudi Arabia.
Recalling his visit to Kurukshetra, the Prime Minister said, ‘On November 25, when I visited Kurukshetra, the experience at the Anubhav Kendra filled me with joy. Being part of the International Gita Mahotsav, held at Kurukshetra’s Brahma Sarovar, was very special for me. I was highly impressed to see how people from all over the world are getting inspired by the divine scripture, the Gita.’ He added that the festival attracted participants from Europe and Central Asia, and that memorable editions of the Gita Mahotsav were also organised in Latvia and Saudi Arabia.
During his visit, the Prime Minister performed darshan and pooja at the Brahma Sarovar, accompanied by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. Brahma Sarovar is regarded as one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage sites and is believed to be associated with the divine revelation of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita.
The Prime Minister’s visit coincided with the International Gita Mahotsav, which was held in Kurukshetra from November 15 to December 5. The festival continues to draw large public participation, with officials stating that more than 70 lakh people are expected to attend this year’s edition. A state government spokesperson said Gita Mahotsav celebrations are being organised in 50 countries this year with the support of the Ministry of External Affairs, and that Madhya Pradesh has been included as the partner state for the 2025 edition. (ANI)