Chandigarh, November 14 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the 10th International Gita Mahotsav is beginning in Kurukshetra from November 15 and will continue till December 5. For the first time, the 21-day festival will present an extraordinary blend of culture, knowledge and spirituality. Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi will be attending the Gita Mahotsav on November 25.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini was addressing the media on Friday at the premises of Shri Sarveshwar Mahadev Temple at the Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra. Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj, BJP State President Sh. Mohanlal Kaushik, MP Sh. Naveen Jindal and former State Minister Sh. Subhash Sudha were also present.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that due to the efforts of Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj, the message of the Gita has spread far and wide. Not only in India, but magnificent International Gita Mahotsav celebrations have been organized in countries like Mauritius, Britain, Canada, Australia, Sri Lanka and Japan.

He said on the sacred banks of the Saraswati river, the Vedas, Upanishads and Puranas were composed. This land is also blessed as the birthplace of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. He stated that the eternal wisdom delivered by Lord Shri Krishna in the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita completes 5,163 years this year.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that since 2016, the International Gita Mahotsav has been celebrated on a grand scale. Every year, the number of devotees coming from India and abroad is increasing, and thus arrangements are expanded accordingly.

Madhya Pradesh to Participate as Partner State

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that this year, Madhya Pradesh will participate as the partner state in the International Gita Mahotsav. Madhya Pradesh is renowned for its rich religious and spiritual heritage. The inclusion of such a culturally distinguished state will further enhance the grandeur of the festival. Madhya Pradesh is setting up a cultural pavilion at Purushottampura Bagh near Brahma Sarovar, where stalls showcasing its culture, crafts and cuisine will be the centre of attraction.

He said that on November 24, the Mahotsav will be formally inaugurated with Gita Yajna at Brahma Sarovar. On the same day, a three-day International Gita Seminar will begin at Kurukshetra University. Through online mode, Gita scholars and researchers from India and abroad will present their research papers.

Presence of 25 Scholars from 16 Countries Through the Ministry of External Affairs

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that this year, 25 scholars from 16 countries will participate in the International Gita Seminar through the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. Gita Mahotsav events will also be organized in 51 countries, with live telecast of the programmes. The Ministry of External Affairs will also display translations of Shrimad Bhagavad Gita in various foreign languages. Twenty priests from Fiji and Trinidad & Tobago will visit Kurukshetra for two days to take part in various programmes. Additionally, 25 artisans from seven countries will exhibit their crafts during the festival.

Gita Seminars to be Organized in Institutions

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that apart from Kurukshetra University, NID, NIT and Ayush University, Kurukshetra will organize Gita seminars from November 24 to December 1. Kurukshetra University will also hold competitions based on the Gita.

Katha at Purushottampura Bagh

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that from November 26 to November 30, Padma Vibhushan Rambhadracharya Ji will conduct spiritual discourses under “Jiyo Gita” at Purushottampura Bagh. On November 29, a Sant Sammelan will be organized at the same venue, where renowned saints from across the country will discuss themes related to the Gita and spirituality. On November 30, an All-India Devasthanam Conference will be held at the Senate Hall of Kurukshetra University, with the presence of heads of various institutions from across India.

The Chief Minister said that during the festival, the Information and Public Relations Department, Haryana, will run a YouTube channel where devotees will share their favourite shloka from the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and describe how it changed their lives. The most-viewed video clip will be awarded ₹1 lakh during the closing ceremony.

Cultural Events at the 48 Kos Kurukshetra Pilgrimage Sites

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that a grand Gita Maha Aarti will be performed daily from November 15 to December 5 at the sacred banks of Brahma Sarovar. From November 25 to December 1, cultural events will be organized at the various pilgrimage sites of the 48 Kos Kurukshetra region. On December 1, Gita Jayanti, a Gita Yajna, Gita Recital and Bhagwat Katha will take place at Jyotisar Tirth. On the same day, 18,000 students will recite Gita shlokas at the Theme Park in Kurukshetra, joined online by lakhs of Gita devotees worldwide. The 48 Kos Tirth Conference will also be organized on the same day at the auditorium of Kurukshetra University, with participation from representatives of 182 pilgrimage committees.

Deepotsav at All 182 Pilgrimage Sites

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that on December 1, Deepotsav celebrations will be held at all 182 pilgrimage sites in Kurukshetra. A Gita Shobha Yatra will also be taken out, with participation from various religious, social and voluntary organizations. From November 24 to December 1, grand cultural events will be held every evening at Purushottampura Bagh. These programmes will be based on themes from the Gita, Mahabharata and Lord Krishna. From November 28 to 30, various competitions—such as Gita shloka recitation, speeches, essay writing, painting, rangoli, craft etc.—will be organized for students at Sannihit Sarovar and Brahma Sarovar. A Gita Book Fair will be held from November 24 to December 1 at Brahma Sarovar, featuring major publishers from across the country.

Exhibitions Depicting Haryana’s Development and Progress

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that as every year, this year too, exhibitions depicting Haryana’s development and progress will be set up at Purushottampura Bagh from November 24 to December 1. These exhibitions will provide information about various public welfare schemes and developmental works. Besides these, exhibitions by various religious, educational and social institutions will also be showcased. A display of Gita editions in different languages will also be arranged.

Haryana Pavilion Showcasing Culture, Craft and Cuisine

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that a Haryana Pavilion will be constructed to showcase the state’s culture, crafts and cuisine. Tourists and pilgrims will get an opportunity to experience Haryana’s cultural heritage. A “Balaram” wrestling competition will be organized during the Gita Mahotsav, inviting renowned wrestlers from across the country. Various Mahabharata-themed paintings are being created across the city by the district administration. A fun fair will be organized from November 15 to December 5 for visitors.

International Gita Mahotsav Programmes at All District Headquarters from November 28

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that International Gita Mahotsav programmes will begin at all district headquarters from November 28. On December 1, Gita Shobha Yatras will be organized at all district headquarters. On the same day, 1,800 students will take part in the global Gita recitation in every district. Village panchayats will also celebrate Deepotsav at their respective pilgrimage sites on December 1.

On this occasion, Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj said that Lord Shri Krishna delivered the Gita for the welfare of all humanity in Kurukshetra. The Gita is world-renowned, and Kurukshetra has gained international recognition because of it. Every year, lakhs of people from abroad visit here to participate in the International Gita Jayanti celebrations.

Chandigarh, November 14

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the International Gita Mahotsav will be made grand and divine with the support of the city’s religious and social organisations. He said the contribution of these organisations will be crucial in taking every moment of this Mahotsav to every corner of the world. On  November 25, Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi will visit Kurukshetra on the occasion of the 350th martyrdom year of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and the International Gita Mahotsav 2025. Thousands of people are expected to attend both major events, for which large-scale arrangements are being made by the government and administration.

Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini was addressing a meeting of representatives from more than 50 religious and social organisations of the city at the auditorium of the Bharatmuni Rangshala, Haryana Kala Parishad late Friday evening.

Earlier, the Chief Minister held an interaction with representatives of social and religious organisations of the city. Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj highlighted the programmes of the International Gita Mahotsav and called upon every organisation to contribute towards making the festival a success. During the meeting representatives from various organisations shared their suggestions for the success of the Mahotsav.

The Chief Minister said that, just like before, the city’s social and religious organisations must enthusiastically cooperate this time as well to ensure the successful organisation of the 350th martyrdom year of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and the International Gita Mahotsav 2025. All organisations must work together and extend complete cooperation to the government and administration so that both major events can be conducted successfully. He said that special focus must be kept on cleanliness, and every organisation should contribute at its level to keep the city clean and beautiful.

The Chief Minister said that all the major roundabouts of the city are being developed on a Mahabharata theme so that they appear grand and beautiful. During the festival, on November 25, Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi will visit the Jyotisar Anubhav Kendra, and from the same day the Anubhav Kendra will be opened for tourists coming from India and abroad.

The Chief Minister further said that the 350th martyrdom year of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is being organised on a grand scale at Jyotisar.He said preparations for the International Gita Mahotsav must be done considering it as their own festival. This Mahotsav is a festival of the pride of Kurukshetra, and it will also enhance the pride of all associated organisations. Lakhs of devotees from every state will participate in this festival. All institutional representatives should also contribute towards keeping the festival clean and beautiful.

MP, Sh. Naveen Jindal, BJP State President, Sh. Mohan Lal Badoli, MLA, Sh. Jagmohan Anand, former Minister of State, Sh. Subhash Sudha, OSD to Chief Minister, Sh. Bharat Bhushan Bharti, and other dignitaries remained present during the meeting.

Chandigarh, November 13:

Continuing the Punjab Government’s ongoing commitment to public welfare and economic security under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal today distributed compensation sanction letters worth ₹1.02 crore to 280 residents affected by heavy rainfall and flood-like conditions during a special event held at Lehragaga.

Addressing the gathering, Barinder Kumar Goyal said that the Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stands firmly with every citizen affected by natural calamities such as floods or excessive rainfall.

The Food, Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs, Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak today distributed compensation amount to the tune of Rs. 45 Lakh to flood affected people of various villages at Narot Jaimal Singh in Pathankot District and reiterated wholehearted commitment of State Government to render all assistance to the affected people.

On the Third consecutive day of the third phase of relief distribution, the state government continued its massive outreach under Mission Chardi Kala, extending financial assistance to flood-affected families across the state.

An official spokesperson informed that in Ferozepur district, Ranbir Singh Bhullar (MLA Ferozepur Urban) distributed flood relief approval letters worth Rs. 4.85 Crore to 732 flood affected families at village Bandala.

The AAP Halqa Incharge Advocate Harsimran Singh Ghuman disbursed flood relief sanction letters worth Rs. 7.20 Lakh to affected families of villages Sangojla & Nabi Baksh Wala falling under Bhulath constituency (Kapurthala).

Notably, Punjab has emerged as the only state in the country to provide the highest compensation to flood-affected families, ensuring that relief reaches every eligible household with efficiency and transparency.

Notably, the financial assistance for damaged houses was enhanced from Rs.6,500 to Rs.40,000 per house, while farmers received Rs.20,000 per acre as crop loss compensation, the highest ever in India. The state has also compensated livestock losses at Rs.37,500 per milch animal, Rs.32,000 per non-milch animal, Rs.20,000 per calf and Rs.100 per poultry bird, extending crucial support to help families rebuild their livelihoods.

Chandigarh, November 13,

Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema announced on Thursday that the registration of state pensioners on the newly launched Pensioner Sewa Portal will be completed within three months. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the three-day Pensioner Sewa Mela, held at the District Administrative Complex in SAS Nagar.

He also apprised the media that the fair ‘Pension Sewa Mela’, scheduled from November 13 to 15, is being organized across all districts of Punjab to assist pensioners with portal registration.

On the first day alone, over 5,320 pensioners successfully registered on the portal all over the State. To ensure smooth registration, the Finance Minister assured that officials from the Finance Department and Pension Disbursing Banks will be present at all district-level events to resolve any technical issues on the spot. He emphasized that registration support would remain continuously available through District Treasury Offices, pension disbursing banks, Sewa Kendras, as well as home delivery services facilitated by the Sewa Kendras. Importantly, the Minister clarified that pension disbursements will continue uninterrupted, even if pensioners face technical difficulties during the registration process.

The Pensioner Sewa Portal, launched on November 3, aims to deliver comprehensive pension-related services directly to pensioners’ homes. Initially, the portal offers five key services including submission of Digital Life Certificate via the Jeevan Pramaan mobile app,  Application for conversion of pension to family pension, Leave Travel Concession (LTC) requests, Registration of pension-related grievances, Updating or changing personal details.

The Minister clarified that Non-Resident Indian (NRI) pensioners are currently excluded from the initial rollout of the Pensioner Sewa Portal and will continue to submit their Life Certificates through existing procedures. He assured that comparable digital services will be introduced for NRI pensioners in the near future. To ensure prompt resolution of any issues following the portal’s launch, the Directorate of Treasuries and Accounts has set up a dedicated War Room for the Pension and New Pension Scheme. Furthermore, three helpline numbers have been activated to assist pensioners with queries and grievances: 1800-180-2148, 0172-2996385, 0172-2996386. These helplines operate from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on all working days.

Chandigarh/Sri Anandpur Sahib, November 13

Punjab Chief Secretary KAP Sinha on Thursday reviewed the preparations related to the Shaheedi Shatabdi Samagam of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji at Sri Anandpur Sahib. On this occasion, he directed the administrative officers to ensure that all necessary arrangements for the convenience of devotees are completed on time.

He informed that on November 22, four Nagar Kirtans will arrive at Sri Anandpur Sahib, while on November 23, the Akhand Path Sahib will commence at Guru Ka Chhaoni, Buddha Dal. During this period, a Sarv Dharam Sammelan (Interfaith Conference) will also be organized where the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann would also be present

The Chief Secretary said that from November 23 to 29, a spectacular drone show with 500 drones will depict the life, teachings, and lasani shahadat of Guru Sahib. In addition, a Light and Sound Show will be organized on November 20 at Charan Ganga Stadium, while the Bhog of the Akhand Path Sahib will take place on November 25.

The Punjab Government will also organize guided tours and heritage walks to enable devotees to learn about the historical sites associated with Guru Sahib. The Chief Minister, Cabinet Ministers, and MLAs will participate in the “Sees Bhent Nagar Kirtan” being carried from Gurdwara Bibangarh Sahib to Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib.

Furthermore, a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha will be held on November 24 at Bhai Jaita Ji Memorial. The Chief Secretary also reviewed the arrangements for the Tent City being set up for the devotees and directed that the repair and renovation of all roads leading to Guru Nagari be completed on time.

He said that the Punjab Government is making every effort to make the Shaheedi Shatabdi Samagam a historic and memorable, ensuring that every devotee experiences convenience, safety, and spiritual fulfillment. He also instructed officials from various departments to work with a spirit of service and leave no stone unturned in providing facilities to the people.

During a special meeting held today in the Virasat-e-Khalsa conference hall, Shri Abhinav Trikha, Secretary, Tourism, briefed the Chief Secretary in detail about the preparations being made by the Punjab Government for the Shaheedi Samagam of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the Ninth Guru. Deputy Commissioner Shri Varjeet Walia also apprised about the arrangements being made in Sri Anandpur Sahib over the last three months.

On this occasion, several senior officers were present, including Additional Chief Secretary Sports Saravjit Singh, Special Chief Secretary Local Govt Tejvir Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Parliamentary Affairs D.K. Tiwari, Secretary Tourism Abhinav Trikha, Secretary Public Relations and Punjab Mandi Board Ramvir, Director General of Police (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla, Paramvir Singh IAS, Deputy Commissioner Varjeet Walia, SSP Gulneet Singh Khurana, Hargunjeet Kaur, Komalpreet Kaur, Sakshi Sahni,  Chanderjyoti Singh, Abhimanyu Malik, Jaspreet Singh, Harpreet Singh, Himanshu Agarwal, Himanshu Jain, Sandeep Hans, Paramvir Singh, Amarpreeet Kaur Sandhu, Puneet Kumar, Sandeep Goel, Gauri Prasher Joshi, Ojashwi Alankar, Sandeep Garha, Manjit Singh and other officers.

Chandigarh, November 13:

Punjab Information and Public Relations Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains today expressed profound grief over the untimely sad demise of RN Kansal, Senior Journalist of TV9Bharatvarsh and Zee News.

As per reports, Mr. Kansal, 53, met a tragic accident near village Sajuma in Sangrur district while driving his car. He was survived by his wife, son, daughter and mother.

While acknowledging Mr. Kansal’s extensive contribution in the main stream media, S. Bains shared his heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family. He prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength to the family to bear this irreparable loss.

CHANDIGARH/BATALA, November 13:

          In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Batala Police has apprehended key associates of foreign-based gangster Amrit Dalaam of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria Gang, and recovered two foreign-made .30 caliber pistols along with live cartridges from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Thursday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Vijay Masih, a resident of Satkoha in Batala and Malkit Singh, a resident of Naharpur Khaddar in Batala.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that both accused were tasked by gangster Amrit Dalaam to carry out target killings. Both the arrested accused have a criminal background with cases of the Attempt to Murder, NDPS Act, and Arms Act registered against them, he said.

          The DGP said that accused Malkit Singh was also involved in a firing incident with rival gang members at Kalanaur Bus Stand in August 2025 and had been absconding since. Further investigation is underway to uncover the entire network and its backward and forward linkages, he said.

          Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Border Range Sandeep Goel said that during the operation, accused Malkit Singh attempted to flee police custody and opened fire on the police party using a hidden weapon. He was overpowered after a brief exchange of fire, he said, while adding that the accused has sustained a bullet injury and is undergoing treatment at local hospital.

          Sharing operational details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Batala Suhail Qasim Mir said that acting on a reliable inputs the police team has apprehended Vijay Masih and recovered foreign-made .30 bore pistol along with three live cartridges from his possession. Based on disclosures made by Vijay Masih, the police also apprehended his associate Malkit Singh, who is a dangerous criminal closely linked with gangster Amrit Dalam and the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria network, he said.

          In this regard, two separate cases— FIR no. 156 dated 12.11.2025 under section 25 of the Arms Act and FIR no. 157 Dated 13.11.2025 under sections 109, 221 and 132 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and section 25 of the Arms Act— have been registered at Police Station Sekhwan in Batala.

Chandigarh, November 13, 2025: The Sardar Bhagwant Singh Memorial Basketball Trophy, organized by Vivek High School, Mohali, concluded at Sector 42 Sports Complex, Chandigarh. Throughout the tournament, players showcased remarkable enthusiasm, teamwork, and sporting excellence.

The chief guest for the final matches was Vikramjeet Singh Mamik, Administrator of Vivek High School, who congratulated the winning teams and lauded the players’ dedication and discipline.

In the Boys U-17 category’s final match Vivek High School, Mohali defeated Vivek High School, Chandigarh 53–43. Aditya scored 24 points for the winners, while Veer Hriday scored 16 for the runners-up.

In the Girls U-17 category GNPS, Chandigarh triumphed over KV High Ground School 51–43. Sukhman scored 26 points for the winners, and Seerat scored 21 for the runners-up.

Meanwhile, in the finals of the Under – 14 Boys St. Kabir School, Chandigarh beat Strawberry Fields School, Chandigarh 45-38. Main scorer for the winning team was Vardan – 27 while the main scorer for the runners-up was Riyansh – 15.

In the final of Under -14 Girls Sacred Heart School, Chandigarh triumphed over Learning Paths School (LPS), Mohali 32-19.  Callista with 09 points scored highest for the winners while for the runners-up Khushnoor scored 16 points.

The result of Boys U-12 went in favour of YPS, Mohali who’s cagers outplayed Vivek High School, Mohali 22–8 to lift the trophy. Samarth with 20 points was the highest scorer for the winners and Vedant with 6 points was the best scorer for the 1st Runners-up.

In the Girls U-12 category Learning Paths School, Mohali secured a victory over YPS, Mohali with a score of 20-6. Vanisha scored 10 points for the winning team and Liana scored 3 points for the 1st runners-up.

In the Boys U-10 category Saupin’s School, Chandigarh emerged as champions and in the U-10 Girls segment LPS, Mohali were the winners. The U-10 tourney was played on the league format and the matches for U 12, 14 and 17 on the knock-out format.

After the finals, an award ceremony was held to felicitate the winning teams. Principal Jaswinder Gandhok of the host school, Vivek High School, Mohali, and Administrator of Vivek High School, Vikramjeet Singh Mamik, presented trophies, cash prizes, medals, and certificates to the winners across various categories. In total, cash prizes worth ₹2,70,000 were distributed among boys and girls across all age groups.

Vikramjeet Singh Mamik said that the tournament serves as a unique platform for aspiring basketball players who wish to pursue the sport as a career. He added that more than 73 teams from leading schools across the region participated in this inter-school basketball tournament.
Notably, prizes were also given for man-of-the-match  in the finals of different age categories for both boys and girls. Moreover, ‘player of the tournament’ award was also given under all age groups for both boys and girls.