The International Gita Mahotsav (IGM)-2026, being held in Tokyo, Japan, has emerged as a significant milestone in promoting India’s eternal cultural heritage and the universal message of Shrimad Bhagavad Gita on the global stage. During the festival, copies of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita were presented to members of Japan’s National Parliament (Diet) as well as prominent political and social leaders of the country, making the event a vibrant symbol of the growing cultural, spiritual, and humanitarian ties between India and Japan.
At the inauguration of the International Gita Mahotsav on Friday, a copy of the Gita was presented to Sh. Yasutoshi Nishimura, senior leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Copies of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita were also presented to Sh. Yoshio Mochizuki, who played a key role in establishing the Gita in Japan’s House of Councillors (Upper House), and Sh. Atlantic Flat, who supported its establishment in the House of Representatives (Lower House), in recognition of their contributions.
Renowned Gita scholar and spiritual leader Pujya Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj delivered a detailed exposition on the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita. Among those present on the occasion were Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, Member Secretary of the Kurukshetra Development Board and Commissioner & Secretary, Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture Department; Sh. Upender Singhal, Honorary Secretary, Kurukshetra Development Board; prominent representatives of the Indian community in Japan, including Sh. Ajay Narula, Sh. Rohan Agrawal, Sh. Vinay, Shrihari; and Sh. Vijay Narula, Member of the International Gita Jayanti Mela Authority, along with several distinguished guests.
A symposium organized on the occasion featured meaningful discussions on the global relevance of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, the role of spiritual values in world peace and human welfare, and ways to further strengthen India-Japan friendship. Addressing the gathering, Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj said the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita is a timeless guide to life management for all humanity.
It inspires individuals to embrace duty, self-discipline, leadership, moral values and a balanced way of life. He stated that in the present global environment, marked by increasing stress, competition, and conflict, the teachings of the Gita offer an effective path to peace, self-confidence, and inner balance.
Responding to a question from Japanese parliamentarian Sh. Yoshio Mochizuki regarding ways to cope with growing workload and stress in modern life, Swami Gyananand Maharaj explained the spiritual and practical significance of three important verses from the Bhagavad Gita. He emphasized that the Gita’s message of selfless action, equanimity, and self-restraint remains as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago.
Swami Gyananand Maharaj further stated that cultural, economic, and spiritual relations between India and Japan are continuously reaching new heights. He expressed confidence that the message of the Gita would further strengthen the bridge of spiritual and human values connecting the two nations.
Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, Member Secretary of the Kurukshetra Development Board, said that the International Gita Mahotsav has today become a global symbol of India’s cultural identity. Through this platform, there has been a significant rise worldwide in interest toward Gita studies, research, cultural dialogue, and Indian philosophy.
New opportunities for academic research, translation projects, and cultural collaboration based on the Gita have emerged in Japan and several other countries. He also noted that Japan is an important investment partner for Haryana, and the state government is actively encouraging Japanese investments in manufacturing, automobiles, technology, logistics, innovation, and advanced industries.
As a result, economic and industrial cooperation between the two sides continues to strengthen. Sh. Upender Singhal, Honorary Secretary of the Kurukshetra Development Board, stated that since its inception in 2016, the International Gita Mahotsav has evolved into a global cultural movement.
Since 2019, the Haryana Government has successfully organized International Gita Mahotsav events in several countries, including Mauritius, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. With the support of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and Indian Missions abroad, the message of the Gita is reaching every corner of the world. Notably, Indian Missions organized Gita-based programmes in 53 countries last year.
It is noteworthy that the International Gita Mahotsav-2026 is being held in Japan from June 19 to June 23. The event commenced with the presentation of copies of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita to members of Japan’s Parliament, leading political figures, scholars, and supporters of India-Japan friendship.
Today, the International Gita Mahotsav has emerged as an effective instrument of India’s cultural and spiritual diplomacy. By promoting world peace, harmony, moral values, and the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), the festival is playing a vital role in uniting humanity as one global family.