A grand state-level function celebrating Shri Guru Gorakhnath Prakatotsav was held today in Sonipat under the 'Sant-Mahapurusha Samman Vichar Evam Prasar Yojana', an initiative by the Haryana Government aimed at spreading the teachings and ideals of saints and great personalities across all sections of society. Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini attended the event as the chief guest.
On the occasion, Sh Nayab Singh Saini paid homage to Shri Guru Gorakhnath Ji and expressed his gratitude for being part of the Prakatotsav celebrations. He said it was a matter of great fortune for him to participate in the event. Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to the welfare and upliftment of every section of society, he said that the present government is working in line with the path shown by saints and revered figures.
He further said that the primary goal of the government is to improve the standard of living of the poorest citizens.During the event, the Chief Minister announced that a ‘Chowk’ in Sonipat would be named after Shri Guru Gorakhnath Ji. He also announced to give an amount of Rs. 31 lakh for the renovation of Dharamshalas of the Jogi community in the state.
He also distributed 30 motorized tricycles to PwDs, out of 100 such tricycles given through the CSR fund of Indian Oil.Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of four development projects worth approximately Rs104.05 crore. This included the foundation stone for three projects costing Rs 84.82 crore and the inauguration of one project worth Rs 19.23 crore.
India will not tolerate Terrorism: ‘Operation Sindoor’ symbolizes the dignity of the national soul
Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that today’s ceremony is being held at a time when the courage, dedication, and discipline demonstrated by our brave soldiers under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi in executing ‘Operation Sindoor’, stands not merely as a military action, but as a powerful symbol of the dignity and strength of our national spirit.
He said that in Pahalgam, terrorists cruelly targeted and killed innocent citizens of our country. In response to the grief and sentiments of the entire nation, the Prime Minister said that the time had come to eliminate the remaining grounds of terrorism. Under Operation Sindoor, our armed forces struck at the roots of terrorism in Pakistan destroying key bases where where terrorism flourished.
Within just three hours, our defense forces successfully neutralized these terror hubs, and through this swift and decisive operation, the world has witnessed the strength and resolve of Indian Armed Forces.The Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister has sent a clear message to the international community that India will not tolerate terrorism in any form. "Today, the entire nation stands firmly with Modi ji, and with the Indian Armed Forces," he affirmed.
The teachings of saints are a valuable heritage of human society; it is our collective responsibility to preserve and uphold this legacy
Describing India as the land of sages and saints, Chief Minister said that countless saints and great personalities have guided humanity by showing the true path of life. The teachings of these revered figures are a shared heritage of society, and it is the collective responsibility of all citizens to preserve and promote this legacy.
He said that after the formation of the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi in 2014, the Haryana Government launched the ‘Sant-Mahapurusha Samman Vichar Evam Prasar Yojana’ with the aim of disseminating the messages and teachings of saints and spiritual leaders. The state-level celebration of Shri Guru Gorakhnath Ji’s birth anniversary, held today, is part of this very initiative.
The Chief Minister further said that Shri Guru Gorakhnath Ji played a pivotal role in taking the knowledge of yoga to every household. Inspired by his path, Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi initiated efforts to promote yoga on a global scale. As a result of these efforts, in 2014, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring 21st June as International Yoga Day.
Today, yoga is recognized and embraced by countries across the world as an exemplary practice.He said that in Haryana, the state has actively encouraged the younger generation to embrace yoga. From the academic session 2022–23, yoga education has been made a compulsory subject from Class 1 to 10. Yoga is also being taught in the colleges and universities of the state.
To institutionalize these efforts, the government has established the Haryana Yoga Commission. To further extend the reach of yoga into rural areas, the government is setting up yoga and vyayamshalas in villages. So far, 687 vyayamshalas have been made operational, with work underway on an additional 300.
Highlighting various welfare schemes being implemented for the welfare of backward classes, the Chief Minister said that it is the government’s responsibility to make people’s lives simpler and more dignified. He affirmed the government's continued commitment to the vision of Antyodaya Utthan, uplifting the last person in the line.
Ensuring inclusive progress and equal rights for people of all communities is the core objective of the government
Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that Guru Gorakhnath Ji taught the fundamental values of equality and harmony, emphasizing that there should be no discrimination on the basis of community, caste, opinion, or creed. Inspired by these teachings, and under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the government is committed to the guiding principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas.”
The government’s goal is to ensure that people from all communities and castes progress together, with equal opportunities and rights in society. “Our continuous efforts are focused on guaranteeing access to quality education, healthcare, security, and self-reliance for every individual,” he added.
Celebrating birth anniversaries of great personalities from all communities fostering unity - Dr. Arvind Sharma
Heritage and Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma said that the Haryana Government has initiated the tradition of celebrating the birth anniversaries of saints and great men from all communities, which is playing a significant role in strengthening social harmony and brotherhood.
He said that today’s programme has been organized as part of this ongoing initiative. He said that Shri Guru Gorakhnath Ji was form of Lord Shiva and a pioneer of yoga. He said that Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini envisions a society where every individual receives their due share, and under this inclusive vision, the government is ensuring equal rights for all sections.
As a result of the Chief Minister's efforts, birth anniversaries of great personalities from all communities are now being celebrated, with active participation from all 36 communities, thus fostering unity and brotherhood across the state.
Haryana has become a state where every poor person feels heard and represented - Mohan Lal Kaushik
Extending a warm welcome to Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, BJP State President Sh Mohan Lal Kaushik said that under the Chief Minister’s dynamic leadership, Haryana has emerged as a state where even the poorest feel that the government and the Chief Minister are theirs.
He praised the Chief Minister’s commitment to public service, saying he is accessible to people 24 hours a day, and that the state government is tirelessly working to ensure that every government scheme reaches the doorstep of the needy. He said that Haryana now ranks number one in several domains across the country. Extending greetings on the birth anniversary of Shri Guru Gorakhnath Ji, he said the timeless teachings of Guru Gorakhnath Ji remain deeply relevant even today.
Shri Guru Gorakhnath Ji embodied penance, sacrifice, yoga and meditation - Nikhil Madan
Addressing the gathering, MLA Sh Nikhil Madan paid homage to Shri Guru Gorakhnath Ji, describing him as a symbol of penance, sacrifice, yoga, and meditation. He highlighted that Guru Gorakhnath Ji traveled across India and contributed to the spread of Sanatan culture through his teachings and writings.
He praised the state government for recognizing and honoring great personalities from all communities and castes, adding that this is the first time in Haryana's history that such birth anniversary celebrations are being held at the state level.MLAs Krishna Gehlot, Devender Kadian, Pawan Kharkhoda, Sonipat Mayor Rajiv Jain, and several other dignitaries were also present on this occasion.