An extraordinary confluence of ancient wisdom and contemporary global thought was witnessed at the internationally acclaimed University of Tokyo, where the International Gita Seminar was organised as a major highlight of the International Gita Mahotsav (IGM) 2026. The seminar focused on the relevance of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita in promoting global peace, mental well-being, and universal human values in the modern world, further strengthening the spiritual, cultural, and academic ties between India and Japan.
Held at one of the world’s foremost centres of academic excellence and research, the seminar brought together eminent philosophers, diplomats, industrialists, scholars, spiritual leaders, and students from India and Japan for meaningful deliberations on the universal message of the Bhagavad Gita. Addressing the gathering, Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj emphasized that the Gita is not confined to any particular nation, religion, or community, but serves as a universal guide for the welfare of humanity.
He stated that in an age marked by stress, uncertainty, and global conflicts, the Gita’s principles of Nishkama Karma Yoga and mental equilibrium offer practical solutions for peace and harmony. Swami Gurusharananand Ji Maharaj highlighted the spiritual and practical dimensions of the Gita, describing it not merely as a philosophical text but as an art of living that continues to inspire humanity.
A special video message from the Chief Minister of Haryana was screened during the seminar. He appreciated the global dissemination of the message of the Gita originating from the sacred land of Kurukshetra and reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening the cultural ties between India and Japan.
Member Secretary, Kurukshetra Development Board,Kurukshetra Dr. Amit Agrawal, in his speech, focused on the relevance of timeless and universal relevance of the Bhagavad Gita, describing it as a source of wisdom that transcends boundaries of time, culture, and religion. The address outlines the global journey of the International Gita Mahotsav since 2016, initiated by then Chief Minister of Haryana Sh. Manohar Lal, which has carried the message of the Gita to numerous countries and transformed it into a worldwide movement for peace and harmony.
He emphasised that this celebrates the deep cultural and spiritual connection between India and Japan, rooted in shared values of discipline, duty, mindfulness, and respect, while also acknowledging the strong economic partnership between the two nations. He said that the Bhagavad Gita is a guide for humanity and a bridge for deeper intellectual, cultural, and spiritual cooperation between India and Japan.
Representatives from the Embassy of India and former Ambassador of Japan to India, Mr Satoshi Suzuki appreciated this new chapter in the ancient spiritual and cultural relationship between the two nations. Member Secretary, Kurukshetra Development Board, Dr. Amit Agrawal, Kurukshetra elaborated on the global vision, administrative framework, and cultural objectives of the International Gita Mahotsav.
Special gratitude was expressed to Professor Takahiro Kato for his significant role in facilitating the seminar at the University of Tokyo. Professor Kawamura, who completed the Japanese translation project of the Mahabharata, and Professor Sato, known for his dedicated study and Japanese translation of the Bhagavad Gita, shared their scholarly experiences and highlighted the global relevance of the Gita.
The distinguished presence of Sh. Koichi Suzuki, associated with Maruti Suzuki operations in India, further enhanced the social and economic significance of the event. One of the most inspiring aspects of the seminar was the enthusiastic participation of students from the University of Tokyo.
A large number of students attended the sessions, showing keen interest in the teachings of the Gita and actively interacting with the speakers. The program commenced with an energetic performance by traditional Japanese Taiko drummers, symbolizing the spirit of Japanese culture and providing a grand welcome to the guests.
Throughout the event, the harmonious confluence of Indian and Japanese cultural traditions was clearly visible. Japanese scholars who have made significant contributions to research, translation, and studies related to the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita were specially felicitated with shawls, mementos, and certificates of appreciation.
On this occasion, Suzuki San and Yukari San, who produced a documentary on Mahatma Gandhi and the Gita, were also honored. During the seminar, Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj, Swami Gurusharananand Ji Maharaj, Dr. Amit Aggarwal, and Sh. Upender Singhal presented a copy of the Bhagavad Gita to Professor Takahiro Kato for installation at the University of Tokyo.
Honorary Secretary of the Kurukshetra Development Board,Sh. Upender Singhal, informed that in a historic initiative, the Kurukshetra Development Board published the Japanese translation of the Ashtadhyayi Gita for the first time and presented copies to scholars and dignitaries during the seminar. This initiative is expected to further deepen cultural dialogue between India and Japan.
A major attraction of the event was an extensive exhibition showcasing Kurukshetra, the teachings of the Gita, and the cultural similarities between India and Japan. Japanese students visiting the exhibition were presented with special commemorative gifts. Special fusion cultural performances blending Indian and Japanese artistic traditions captivated the audience and vividly reflected the cultural affinity between the two nations.
As part of the Mahotsav’s digital outreach campaign, a 14-day online Gita Quiz competition was organised across Japan. The quiz received tremendous response on social media, attracting thousands of participants from Japan, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, India, and several other countries.
The winners of the competition were felicitated during the seminar. Special appreciation was extended to Sh. Ajay Narula, Sh. Rohan Aggarwal, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, GEO Gita, Gita Parivar, ISKCON, and various social organizations for their tireless efforts and dedicated support in making the festival a grand success.
The successful coordination and execution of the entire event were made possible through the active involvement of senior members of the Kurukshetra Development Board and Gita Jayanti Mela Authority, including Sh. Vijay Narula, Sh. Alkesh Maudgil, Sh. Ashok Rosha, Sh. Gurnam Saini, Dr. Rishipal Mathana, and Dr. M.K. Maudgil.
The International Gita Seminar at the University of Tokyo emerged not merely as an academic event, but as a powerful symbol of spiritual dialogue, cultural cooperation, and the shared commitment of India and Japan toward global peace. The message of the Bhagavad Gita has now transcended the boundaries of Kurukshetra, offering humanity a timeless path of harmony, duty, and universal well-being.
Media Advisor to the Chief Minister; Sh. Tushar Saini, MLA, Sh. Satpal Jamba; former Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Markandeya; Mayor Smt. Renu Bala Gupta; and Sh. Shyam Lal Bansal, along with several other dignitaries were present.