CM calls for stronger Punjab under double-engine government

Emphasises Welfare, Employment and MSP Support for Punjab

CM meets delegation of Namdev Samaj of Sri Hargobindpur district, Gurdaspur, Punjab

Chandigarh, June 20- Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi is committed to strengthening Punjab, adding that accelerated development in the state is possible under a double-engine government. He said that while many young people in Punjab are compelled to seek employment abroad through illegal “donkey routes,” Haryana has created structured opportunities through a dedicated Foreign Cooperation Department.

The Chief Minister said that more than 5,500 applications from youth aspiring to work overseas are currently under scrutiny by the department. Under this initiative, applicants are required to bear only the cost of their air tickets.

Sh. Nayab Singh Sain said this while addressing a delegation of the Namdev Samaj from Sri Hargobindpur in Gurdaspur district, Punjab, at his residence, Sant Kabir Kutir, Chandigarh, on Saturday.

Paying tribute to the Sixth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Hargobind Singh Ji, the Chief Minister said that his teachings inspire people to stand against injustice and protect the weaker sections of society. He emphasised that these values remain highly relevant today and should be followed in practice.

Expressing concern over Punjab’s development trajectory, Sh. Saini said it is unfortunate that the land of the Sikh Gurus continues to lag behind in development. He alleged that successive governments, including those led by the Congress and AAP, have failed to meet public expectations and have misled the people. He further said that the people of Punjab have made up their minds to support the BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi in the forthcoming Assembly elections.

Criticising the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab Government, the Chief Minister said that the promise of providing Rs. 1,000 per month to women had remained unfulfilled, noting that even the registration process for the scheme has not been completed. Whereas, the Haryana government allocated Rs. 5,000 crore in the 2025–26 budget and Rs. 6,500 crore in the 2026–27 budget under the Deen Dayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana (DDLLY). Under the scheme, eligible women are receiving Rs. 2,100 per month directly in their bank accounts. So far, Rs. 1,600 crore has been disbursed to women beneficiaries across Haryana.

He also pointed out that senior citizens in Haryana receive Rs. 3,200 per month under the Old Age Samman Allowance, compared to Rs. 1,500 per month in Punjab.

Highlighting Haryana’s welfare and development initiatives, he said that if the people of Punjab place their trust in the vision and policies of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, in the next Assembly elections, similar benefits could be extended to Punjab as well. He asserted that a BJP government in Punjab would ensure the procurement of farmers’ crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP), provide adequate compensation for crop losses, promote an industry-friendly environment, and work towards making Punjab the leading state in the country.

The delegation thanked the Chief Minister for inviting them and appreciated his outreach towards the people of Punjab. Members of the delegation said that the people of Punjab are taking note of his support and expressed confidence that the BJP would be strengthened in the state in the next Assembly elections.

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Universal Message of the Gita Resonates at the University of Tokyo

Historic International Gita Seminar Organised under International Gita Mahotsav 2026

Video message of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini was screened during the seminar

Chandigarh, June 20- 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.