Three-Day International Gita Mahotsav Begins in Indonesia

Bali, Indonesia: The sixth three-day International Gita Mahotsav commenced at the Bali Parliament Auditorium on Friday, with the installation of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. The festival aims to deepen the cultural and spiritual ties between India and Indonesia while spreading the universal message of the Gita. The inaugural session, lasting four hours, was chaired by Bali DPRD Vice Chairman and Vice Governor Novasewi Putra. Chief guest Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Maharaj delivered the keynote address. Haryana Tourism Minister Arvind Sharma, Ministry of External Affairs (Southern Division) Secretary Dr. Neena Malhotra, Bali legislator Prof. Somvir, India’s Consul General in Bali Shashank Vikram, and legislators Budhi Uttama, Raki, and Medu Parta also attended. Diplomats, scholars, and representatives from England, Australia, Spain, and other countries were present. Swami Gyananand Maharaj emphasized that the Gita’s teachings are not confined to any one nation, language, community, caste, or religion, but are meant for the welfare of all humanity.

He highlighted that the Gita offers the art of living, harmony, and peace, serving as a symbol of unity. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had gifted copies of the Gita to global leaders, reinforcing that India’s greatest contribution to the world is the Gita’s timeless wisdom. Haryana Tourism Minister Arvind Sharma praised the efforts of PM Modi, former CM Manohar Lal, and CM Nayab Singh Saini in promoting the Gita globally. He assured full support from the Haryana government and Tourism Ministry for initiatives related to the Gita. During the event, Bali legislator Prof. Somvir proposed that land in Kurukshetra be allotted for establishing a Bali cultural center and guest house to strengthen cultural exchange.

Minister Sharma assured that if Indonesia sends an official proposal, the Haryana government would move forward with the plan. The Kurukshetra Development Board has also expressed support for this idea. Dr. Neena Malhotra from the Ministry of External Affairs stated that the ministry has always played a supportive role in organizing the International Gita Mahotsav. She announced that this year, efforts are underway to ensure participation from 40 countries in Kurukshetra, with scholars from 25 countries joining the Gita seminar.

Prominent attendees included Haryana State Women Commission Chairperson Renu Bhatia, Chairperson Sushma Gupta, Karnal Mayor Renu Bala Gupta, honorary secretary Upendra Singhal, 48 Kos Monitoring Committee Chairman Madan Mohan Chhabra, Gita Mahotsav Authority members Dr. Pritam Singh and Vijay Narula, former Kurukshetra Development Board member Rajesh Shandilya, MK Maudgil, Ashok Rosha, Rishipal Mathana, GO Gita UK Secretary Manit Kapoor, GO Gita Spain Secretary Krishna Kumar Saini, senior journalists Bijendra Bansal and RK Mudgil, among others.