Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Monday said that pilgrimages serve as a powerful medium for strengthening social harmony and preserving India's rich cultural traditions. Such journeys connect the younger generation with their roots, values and civilisational heritage. Pilgrims return from sacred journeys with renewed energy, inspiration and spiritual awakening, he said.
The Chief Minister was addressing a gathering after flagging off a special train from Kurukshetra to Somnath carrying more than 1,100 devotees. On the occasion, he honoured saints and spiritual leaders by presenting them with ceremonial shawls.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, who has been leading the nation since 2014, has provided a new direction to India's development journey. Referring to the pilgrimage being undertaken by senior citizens, he said the opportunity being provided to them to undertake a comfortable journey to Somnath was a blessing and a reflection of the Prime Minister's commitment towards their welfare.
The Chief Minister said that, keeping in view the significance of pilgrimage centres, unprecedented efforts are being undertaken under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi for the preservation and promotion of India's religious and cultural heritage. Several sacred sites have been restored and rejuvenated in recent years. The nation witnessed the historic inauguration of the Ram Mandir, while the grand redevelopment of Kashi Vishwanath Dham has restored the ancient glory of Kashi, he said.
The Chief Minister further said that through the development of pilgrimage destinations across the country, the Char Dham Project, the PRASAD Scheme and initiatives aimed at preserving India's cultural heritage, the nation is reconnecting with its civilisational roots. This, he said, is a defining period in New India where development and heritage are progressing together.
Lord Shiva's Message of Compassion and Service Remains Relevant to the World
The Chief Minister said that the world today faces numerous challenges and uncertainties. However, India's Sanatan culture continues to offer the values of balance, compassion and humanity.
He said Lord Shiva is not merely the deity of destruction but the embodiment of renewal and creation. Lord Shiva teaches that one can absorb poison and still offer nectar to society, transforming adversity into strength for the welfare of others.
He said Lord Mahadev inspires humanity to use power for protection rather than destruction and teaches that sacrifice, penance and selfless service constitute the true path of life. For this reason, Lord Shiva is not only a source of inspiration for India but for humanity as a whole.
Quoting Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said Somnath is a symbol of enduring faith that teaches humanity that the power of creation is always greater than the forces of destruction. He described this thought as the essence of India's ancient civilisational wisdom.
The Chief Minister said that the pilgrimage marks the beginning of a journey rooted in faith, devotion, culture and Sanatan consciousness from the sacred land of Haryana. Such journeys connect people with India's thousands of years old spiritual heritage and strengthen their sense of belonging to the nation's rich cultural legacy, he said.
Offering prayers at the feet of Lord Shiva, Shri Saini wished that divine blessings continue to guide every family in Haryana, every farmer, youth, mother and sister, as well as all citizens of the nation. He expressed confidence that the pilgrimage would be safe, comfortable and spiritually rewarding for all participants.
He also noted that Somnath Temple is regarded as the first among the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas and occupies a unique place in India's spiritual tradition.
Somnath Stands as a Symbol of India's Resilience and Enduring Faith-CM
The Chief Minister said the history of Somnath Temple stands as a saga of India's resilience and unwavering faith. The temple was attacked, damaged and plundered several times throughout history, yet each time it rose again with greater strength and determination.
History bears testimony to the fact that whenever Somnath came under attack, the soul of the nation felt wounded. Yet every challenge reaffirmed that faith cannot be erased through force, he said.
Referring to the reconstruction of the temple after Independence, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that when the rebuilding of Somnath became a symbol of India's cultural renaissance, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel described it as an important step in national reconstruction and the restoration of India's cultural identity. The reconstruction helped reconnect the nation with its civilisational roots, he added.
The Chief Minister said that Somnath Swabhiman Parv is being celebrated across the country and will continue till January 2027. Under the Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana, devotees are being facilitated to visit various pilgrimage destinations across the country. Thousands of senior citizens have already undertaken pilgrimages to major religious centres under the scheme.
Describing senior citizens as society's greatest asset, he said they have guided generations through their experience, values and lifelong contributions. The Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana, he added, is an expression of the government's respect and gratitude towards the elderly.
Wishing all pilgrims a safe and memorable journey, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini prayed for their happiness, peace, prosperity and spiritual advancement. He expressed hope that Haryana would continue to move forward on the path of development, that India would scale new heights globally, and that God would grant every citizen the strength to make a meaningful contribution towards nation-building.
Former minister, Sh. Subhash Sudha, Maharaj Bansi Puri, Deputy Commissioner, Sh. Vishram Kumar Meena along with saints, public representatives, party office-bearers and other dignitaries also remained present on the occasion.