The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, participated as the Chief Guest at the Akhil Bhartiya Devsthanam Sammelan, organised on the sidelines of the International Gita Mahotsav 2025 today in Kurukshetra. Haryana Chief Minister, Sh Nayab Singh Saini, Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the Vice-President said he was deeply honoured to stand on the pious soil of Kurukshetra, a land celebrated as the “Land of the Vedas.” He observed that this sacred place has been revered for thousands of years as the site where the divine wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita was imparted by Lord Shri Krishna to Arjuna.
He stated that Kurukshetra is a timeless reminder that dharma ultimately triumphs over adharma, however powerful the latter may appear.The Vice-President described the Bhagavad Gita as more than a religious scripture — “a universal manual for righteous living, courageous action, and enlightened consciousness.”
He emphasised that Lord Krishna’s call to focus on one’s karma, guided by dharma, remains the key to living a meaningful and purposeful life.Reflecting on the importance of building strong character, he said character is far more important than wealth or other worldly achievements.
He noted that the Gita guides humanity towards cultivating a virtuous and disciplined life, reminding us, as Lord Krishna did, that moral strength arises from clarity of purpose and dedication to righteousness.Expressing hope that in an age of rapid change, the Gita would continue to guide individuals, societies, and nations toward peace and harmony, the Vice-President highlighted its enduring relevance.
Appreciating the growth of the event, he noted that Gita Jayanti, celebrated annually, has over the past nine years evolved into a global cultural and spiritual celebration. He congratulated the Government of Haryana and Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini for elevating the Mahotsav to the international stage and for steering Haryana toward new milestones of progress.
The Vice-President expressed satisfaction that the International Gita Mahotsav showcases the divine virtues of Lord Krishna, the teachings of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, and the rich cultural heritage of Sanatan Dharma in a manner accessible to people of all ages.
He hailed the Mahotsav as a platform that reinforces the values that have sustained Bharat for centuries — dharma, duty, self-discipline, and the pursuit of excellence. These values, he said, form the foundation of the national vision of an Aatma Nirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat @ 2047, articulated by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi.
The Vice-President also appreciated the conclave organized by the Kurukshetra Development Board and the Gita Knowledge Institute, bringing together saints, scholars, technology experts, artists, and cultural leaders from across India. Such gatherings, he said, deepen dialogue, strengthen cultural exchange, and inspire young minds to see the Bhagavad Gita not as a distant scripture but as a living guide of courage, humility, and wisdom.
Concluding his address, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan urged all present to internalize the eternal teachings of the Bhagavad Gita — to act with righteousness, seek knowledge, embrace peace, and contribute to the welfare of humanity.Earlier, the Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan visited the Maa Bhadrakali Shaktipeeth Temple in Kurukshetra and offered prayers.