The three-day Sixth International Gita Mahotsav commenced at the Parliament Hall in Bali, Indonesia. On this occasion, the sacred Shrimad Bhagavad Gita was installed in Bali on Friday. The event also featured deliberations on enhancing the global recognition of the Gita and further strengthening the age-old cultural and spiritual ties between India and Indonesia.
The programme was presided over by Vice Chairman (DPRD) of Bali Vice Governor Novasevi Putra. The keynote address was delivered by Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Maharaj. Haryana Tourism Minister Arvind Sharma graced the occasion as the chief guest, while Dr. Neena Malhotra, Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs (Southern Division), also marked her presence.
Distinguished dignitaries including Bali MLA Professor Somveer, India’s Consul General in Bali Shashank Vikram, Bali MLA Buddhi Uttam, MLA Raki, and MLA Medu Parta attended the ceremony. In addition, Lovelesh, an official from the Indian Embassy in Bali, along with representatives from England, Australia, Spain, and several other countries, also participated in the event.
On this occasion, Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Maharaj said that the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita are not confined to any one country, language, community, caste, or religion, but are meant for the entire humanity. The Gita imparts the art of living and offers the mantra of harmony and peace, serving as a universal symbol of unity.
He said that the practice of Gita can bind the world together. Five thousand years ago, this eternal message originated from the sacred land of India, Dharmakshetra Kurukshetra, and since then, many eminent personalities across the globe have regarded its wisdom as essential for upholding human values. He added that the true welfare of the world is possible only through the fundamental principles of the Gita.
Speaking on the occasion, Haryana Tourism Minister Sh Arvind Sharma said that the promotion of the Gita worldwide has been significantly advanced under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, Union Minister Sh Manohar Lal, and Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini.
He lauded the global campaign led by Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Maharaj, describing it as highly commendable. He further assured that the Haryana Government will intensify efforts to spread the timeless message of the Gita so that people are inspired to follow the path of karma.
During the programme, Bali MLA and Committee One Chairman, Professor Dr. Somvir, requested the allocation of a plot of land in the holy city of Kurukshetra. In response, Haryana Tourism Minister Sh Arvind Sharma assured full cooperation. Indonesia would establish a guest house and cultural centre on the site.
Similarly, to further strengthen cultural ties, the Kurukshetra Development Board proposed collaboration for the establishment of a cultural centre in Bali, Indonesia.Dr. Neena Malhotra, Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, said that the Ministry has consistently played a supportive role in organizing the International Gita Mahotsav. This year, taking a step further, efforts are being made to ensure the participation of representatives from 40 countries in the upcoming festival at Kurukshetra. In addition, scholars from 25 countries will take part in the Gita Seminar.
On this occasion, several dignitaries were also present, including Haryana Women Commission Chairperson Renu Bhatia, Chairman Sushma Gupta, Karnal Mayor Renu Bala Gupta, Honorary Secretary Upendra Singhal, 48 Kos Monitoring Committee Chairman Madan Mohan Chhabra, members of the Gita Mahotsav Authority Dr. Pritam Singh and Vijay Narula, and former Kurukshetra Development Board members Rajesh Shandilya, M.K. Moudgil, Ashok Rosha, and Rishipal Mathana, GO Gita UK General Secretary Manit Kapoor, Keshav Sharan and GO Gita Spain General Secretary Krishna Kumar Saini along with several other eminent personalities.