Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the Central Government has allocated Rs. 500 crore in the Union Budget to develop Rakhigarhi, a witness to India’s ancient and glorious civilization, into a prestigious global landmark. Recognizing the historical, cultural and tourism significance of Rakhigarhi, the state government is also taking continuous and concrete steps to secure its prominent place on both the national and international tourism map.
The Chief Minister was addressing the gathering at the second state-level Rakhigarhi Mahotsav held today in Rakhigarhi, the sacred land of India’s ancient civilization. On this occasion, he announced that all 13 demands presented by the Rakhigarhi Panchayat would be forwarded to the concerned departments for prompt action.
Similarly, the five demands raised by the Rakhi Shahpur Panchayat would also be sent to the relevant departments for implementation. He also announced a grant of Rs. 21 lakh each for Rakhigarhi and Rakhi Shahpur villages. He also inaugurated the Harappan Knowledge Centre.
Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that Rakhigarhi holds a unique identity as a historical heritage site. This is the land where, thousands of years ago, one of the world’s oldest civilizations—the Harappan civilization—flourished.
The artifacts unearthed during excavations demonstrate that Rakhigarhi was a major industrial and commercial hub, featuring a well-planned city layout, advanced sanitation systems, and remarkable water management. He said that this great center of the Indus-Saraswati civilization sends a message to the world about how deep-rooted, scientific, and prosperous India’s heritage has been.
The fact that the most important center of the world’s largest and most developed ancient urban civilization is located in Haryana is a matter of immense pride for the people of the state. The Chief Minister further said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is advancing with confidence, taking pride in its cultural heritage.
Sites such as Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Mahakal Lok, the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya, and archaeological treasures like Rakhigarhi symbolize India’s glorious tradition. This is a new India, drawing inspiration from its past to build a bright and prosperous future, he added.
State Government Committed to Developing Rakhigarhi as an International Tourism and Research Center
He said that the state government is fully committed to developing Rakhigarhi as an international tourism and research hub. A world-class archaeological museum, a dedicated research institute, modern tourist facilities, and robust infrastructure being developed here.
The objective is to provide visitors from India and abroad with a deep understanding of India’s ancient civilization and to offer an immersive experience of Haryana’s rich cultural heritage. This initiative is also expected to generate new employment opportunities for local youth and give a significant boost to the regional economy.
The Chief Minister highlighted that excavations at Rakhigarhi reveal that women in ancient society were accorded respect and enjoyed equal opportunities. Today, the daughters of Haryana continue this legacy, excelling and bringing pride to the nation in fields such as sports, education, science, administration, and the armed forces.
He emphasized that the state government places the highest priority on women’s empowerment and is implementing numerous schemes aimed at enhancing education, safety, and self-reliance for women.
Efforts Underway to Include Rakhigarhi in UNESCO World Heritage List
He said that according to the Archaeological Survey of India, Haryana is home to approximately 100 sites of historical and archaeological significance. Prominent among these are Farmana in Rohtak, Mitathal in Bhiwani, Balu in Kaithal, and Banawali in Fatehabad.
Special projects are being undertaken for the conservation and development of all these sites, including Rakhigarhi. Efforts are also underway to include Rakhigarhi in the UNESCO World Heritage List. A modern museum has been constructed at Rakhigarhi at a cost of Rs. 22 crore.
Additionally, the old Tehsil building in Nuh, Loharu Fort, and the tomb complex in Tauru have been declared state-protected monuments. A state-of-the-art archaeological museum is also being developed in Sector-5, Panchkula, and the Agroha site is undergoing extensive development to enhance its historical and tourism value.
7,000-Year-Old Rakhigarhi Civilization Demonstrated the Path to Modern Urban Planning – Dr. Arvind Sharma
Heritage and Tourism Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma, said that a historic event was organized today in Rakhigarhi, with artists from across the state participating. He highlighted that the Rakhigarhi civilization, which is approximately 7,000 years old, demonstrated the path to modern urban planning to the world.
Dr. Sharma added that under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, the state government has taken a landmark decision in the interest of farmers by fixing the highest-ever price of sugarcane at Rs. 415 per quintal. He also informed that on the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas, a special program is being organized to commemorate the martyrdom of the brave Sahibzadas, ensuring that future generations draw inspiration from their sacrifice.
Haryana progressing under the leadership of the Chief Minister - Ranbir Gangwa
Earlier, Haryana Public Works Minister Sh Ranbir Gangwa expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, stating that the long-standing demand to grant district status to Hansi has finally been fulfilled. He said that under the leadership of the Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Haryana is steadily advancing on the path of progress.
He further highlighted that Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi’s vision is to make India a developed nation by 2047, and he expressed confidence that this goal would be achieved even before the target date. He added that the pace of development in both the state and the country continues to accelerate.
The Legacy of Harappan-Era Indian Culture Presented on the International Stage -Dr. Amit Agrawal
In his welcome address, Commissioner and Secretary of the Department of Heritage and Tourism Dr. Amit Agrawal, extended greetings to the Chief Minister and other distinguished guests, while highlighting the department's vision and the significance of Rakhigarhi. He emphasized that Rakhigarhi is not merely an archaeological site, but a living testament to India’s ancient and continuous civilization, reflecting advanced urban planning, social organization, and cultural richness dating back over 6,000 years.
He further said that the state government is committed to the preservation and promotion of heritage sites. He underscored the importance of the Rakhigarhi Mahotsav, explaining that the festival serves not only to showcase the archaeological significance of the site but also to connect this rich heritage with the public through cultural performances, exhibitions, academic discussions and active community participation.
MLAs Vinod Bhayana, Randhir Panihar, former Minister Anoop Dhanak, former MP Gen. DP Vats, Sonu Sihag, Praveen Popli, Jawahar Saini, and other dignitaries were also present at the event.