CM inaugurates IGM-2024 amidst chanting of Mantras

CM performs Yajna at Brahma Sarovar

Dedicated efforts of State Government has transformed Gita Mahotsav into an International Event, CM

Chandigarh, December 5- In the sacred land of Kurukshetra, where the echoes of the Mahabharata still resonate, Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday formally inaugurated the International Gita Mahotsav (IGM)-2024 organized on the banks of Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra.

The Chief Minister offered prayers on the holy religious scripture Gita and performed the yajna near Lord Shri Krishna's huge chariot idol located at Purushottampura Bagh amidst chanting of mantras at Brahma Sarovar. Kerala Governor, Sh. Arif Mohammed Khan, Zanzibar Minister for Information, Youth, Culture and Sports, Ms Tabia Maulid Mwita, Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj and former Minister of State, Sh. Subhash Sudha also participated in the Gita Yajna.

Earlier, all the dignitaries inaugurated the pavilion of Tanzania, the partner country for this year’s International Gita Mahotsav-2024, and explored stalls showcasing the country’s food, lifestyle, and attire. Later, they inaugurated and visited the state-level exhibition organized by the Information, Public Relations, Language, and Culture Department. This exhibition displayed Haryana Government's achievements over the past 10 years through various departmental stalls.

Dedicated efforts of State Government has transformed Gita Mahotsav into an International Event, CM

On this occasion, the Chief Minister congratulated the people of the state and extended his best wishes for IGM, stating that the dedicated efforts made by the State Government has transformed Gita Mahotsav into an International Event.

He said that the IGM was started on November 28 and will continue until December 15, 2024. During this time, the eternal message of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita will be shared with humanity.

The Chief Minister said that this year, the United Republic of Tanzania is the partner country, and Odisha is the partner state for the International Gita Mahotsav-2024. He said that live broadcasts of the IGM are being held at the Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha; Shri Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh; Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple in Mathura; Dwarkadhish Temple in Gujarat; Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain; and Thikana Mandir Shri Govind Dev Ji in Jaipur. People can see a glimpse of this rich heritage.

Sh Nayab Singh Saini stated that the International Gita Mahotsav has achieved immense success and popularity over the past eight years, since year 2016. Lakhs of people from India and abroad attend the Mahotsav. Last year, approximately 45 to 50 lakh people participated, and a similar turnout is expected this year.

He shared that the key highlights of this IGM-2024 will be the global Gita recitation with 18,000 students, cultural programmes by artists from various states to be organized by the Department of Art and Culture, international Gita seminars, a grand aarti at Brahma Sarovar, Deepotsav, cultural programmes at 182 pilgrimage sites along the 48-kos route, and more.

IGM has been recognised Worldwide, Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj

Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj said that the IGM-2024 began on November 28 with the start of the Saras and Craft Mela. This holy Mahotsav has now made its mark worldwide. Following the tradition of the IGM, Havan Yajnas, Gita Yajnas, and worship at Brahma Sarovar were performed. The IGM has undoubtedly become a celebration for the general public, with people from across the country and abroad now participating in it.

Former Minister of State, Sh. Subhash Sudha, said that lakhs of devotees visit IGM every year to enjoy the craftsmanship, culture from various states, and religious programs. Organizing such a Mahotsav is a matter of great fortune. He said that various social and religious institutions from the city are participating in the event. IGM-2024 will continue until December 15 and devotees coming from all spheres will be able to enjoy the evening spiritual and cultural programmes.

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Plan to Create Green Employment Opportunities in Aravalli Region - Rao Narbir Singh

Forests Covering 1.15 Million Hectares Across Four States, Including Haryana, to Be Preserved

Aravalli Green Wall Project Inspired by Saudi Arabia's Successful Greening Efforts

Chandigarh, December 5 – Haryana Forest and Environment Minister, Sh. Rao Narbir Singh, announced plans to bolster environmental sustainability by launching the Aravalli Green Wall Project, modeled after Saudi Arabia's green initiatives. This project aligns with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of fostering a deeper connection between people and the environment through programs like 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign.

Following a five-day visit to Saudi Arabia, the Minister lauded the country's remarkable achievements in transforming arid landscapes into vibrant green belts. Inspired by this success, the Central Government has assigned Haryana the responsibility of leading the Aravalli Green Wall Project.

The initiative will cover over 1.15 million hectares across four states—Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi—demonstrating an exemplary model of multi-state collaboration. The project aims to enhance afforestation with indigenous tree species, conserve biodiversity, improve soil health, and boost groundwater recharge.

The Minister emphasized that this ambitious project will create green employment opportunities for local communities in the Aravalli region, supporting sustainable livelihoods while promoting environmental stewardship. In Haryana, the state has appointed Van Mitras to raise awareness among the younger generation about the importance of protecting nature and fostering sustainable practices. These Van Mitras are also working to strengthen local engagement with forest conservation efforts, enhancing both ecological balance and community resilience.

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Jind Cooperative Sugar Mill Begins Crushing Season, Targets Increased Production Capacity

Chandigarh, December 5 – The National Cooperative Sugar Mills Ltd., New Delhi, has granted permission to increase the crushing capacity of Jind Mill from 1,750 TCD to 2,200 TCD per day. This development was highlighted during the inauguration of the 40th crushing season (2024-25) at The Jind Cooperative Sugar Mill by Haryana Cooperation Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma.

*Commitment to Farmers' Welfare

Dr. Arvind Sharma highlighted Haryana's commitment to providing competitive cane prices and timely payments to farmers. He urged the management of Jind Sugar Mill to ensure payments are made within a week instead of the standard 15-day period, emphasizing that this would alleviate farmers' challenges. He said that the mill has consistently worked in the interests of sugarcane farmers and has won awards at both state and national levels. Additionally, the minister called for increased awareness among farmers about cultivating high-quality sugarcane varieties to improve sugar recovery rates and enhance productivity.

*New Facilities and Transparent Operations

Dr. Sharma said that several farmer-friendly initiatives, including the provision of meals at a nominal cost of ₹10 per plate during the season through the mill canteen. He directed officials to resume canteen operations immediately. He assured the smooth functioning of the crushing season and encouraged farmers to maintain coordination with the mill management.

The mill will operate with an advanced token system via a mobile app, allowing farmers to book tokens from home and bring their trolleys. Basic facilities like accommodation, water, electricity, and toilets have been arranged for farmers' convenience.

*Haryana’s Leadership in Supporting Farmers

The Minister praised the pro-farmer policies of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nayab Singh, stating that Haryana offers the highest cane prices in the country and is actively procuring 24 crops at MSP, bringing joy to farmers. He noted that under the present government, cane payments, which previously took a year, are now processed promptly.