KURUKSHETRA, May 5 : Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday flagged off a special pilgrimage train to Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib in Maharashtra’s Nanded.
Addressing a function under the Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana at Kurukshetra Railway Station, the Chief Minister flagged off a special pilgrimage train to Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib and interacted with the pilgrims, conveying his best wishes for a safe and spiritually enriching journey.
Providing details of the pilgrimage, he informed that more than 800 pilgrims from nine districts are undertaking the journey, with comprehensive arrangements made for their safety, security, food and overall comfort.
Highlighting the spiritual significance of the initiative, Saini said that the special train serves as a symbolic bridge between Kurukshetra, the land where Lord Krishna delivered the message of the Bhagavad Gita, and Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib, the sacred site where Guru Gobind Singh attained ‘Joti Jot’.
He said this initiative reflects the continuous and vibrant flow of India’s spiritual traditions.
He also announced that a grand Somnath Yatra will be organised from the state on June 8, stating that the Somnath Temple stands as a symbol of India’s eternal faith, rich cultural heritage and the resurgence of national self-respect.
Referring to the Centre’s initiative, he said that under the “Somnath Swabhimaan Parv”, a year-long national commemoration will be observed till January 11, 2027.
Emphasising the broader role of pilgrimage, he stated that such initiatives not only strengthen religious faith but also promote social harmony and connect the younger generation with their cultural roots.
He said that special provisions have been made to ensure that elderly citizens and economically weaker sections are not deprived of pilgrimage opportunities due to financial constraints.
Financial assistance is being provided under various schemes for visits to major pilgrimage destinations, including Sindhu Darshan, Kailash Mansarovar and prominent Sikh shrines such as Sri Hazur Sahib, Sri Hemkund Sahib, Sri Nankana Sahib and Sri Patna Sahib.
In a separate programme, Saini also addressed a seminar and exhibition on the theme “Empowered Women, Empowered Society, Empowered Nation”, jointly organised by Kurukshetra University and the Information, Public Relations and Languages Department at Kurukshetra University.
He said that Kurukshetra is the land where Lord Shri Krishna guided Arjuna by delivering the message of the Gita during the Mahabharata, showing the path of duty and righteousness.
The war of Mahabharata was not merely for power, but against injustice. The insult of a woman conveyed to society that remaining silent in the face of injustice is also unrighteous.
He said that even today, society must raise its voice against injustice by following this ideology.
Earlier, the CM visited the women empowerment exhibition and inaugurated the seminar.
Describing women as the cornerstone of nation-building, he said that the dream of a developed India cannot be fulfilled unless women are empowered.
He emphasised the need to strengthen four key pillars of Viksit Bharat — women, farmers, youth, and the poor.
He said that strengthening farmers strengthens the foundation of the nation, while youth should be encouraged to become job creators rather than job seekers. Empowering the poor is also a priority in nation-building.
Saini said that under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, several concrete steps have been taken for women’s empowerment.
He said that the Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence at Kurukshetra University will be further strengthened. Women trainees will be given up to 50 per cent concession in fees so that they can advance in new technologies and prepare for the future.
As part of taking part of series of events in Kurukshetra on Tuesday, Saini also addressed a fodder grant distribution ceremony at Shri Krishna Gau Shala Society in Ladwa, Kurukshetra.
At the event, Saini said that making the state free from stray cattle is a top priority of the government. For this, two Gau Abhayaarany have been established — one in village Nain in Panipat district and the other in Hisar’s Dhandoor village.
These Gau Abhyarans (cow sanctuary) have been equipped with sheds, water, and fodder facilities. An amount of Rs 8 crore has already been released for them, he said.
He said that for the rehabilitation of stray cattle, a provision has been made in the financial year 2025-26 to grant Rs 10 lakh per gaushala for constructing sheds in 51 gaushalas. Out of these, grants have already been provided to 21 gaushalas.
Similarly, the Haryana Gau Vansh Research Centre has been established at Sukhdarshanpur, Panchkula.
He said today a total grant of Rs 228.58 crore has been released as fodder grant for 619 registered gaushalas across the state in the financial year 2025-26.
The CM also addressed a programme organised in Ladwa, Kurukshetra, on Tuesday on the occasion of the birthday of Union Minister for Power and Housing, Manohar Lal Khattar.
At this event, Saini said Haryana had initiated free single donor platelets for dengue patients in government hospitals. A total of 154 blood centers are currently operational in the state.
The government surpassed last year’s target by collecting more than 4.5 lakh units of blood against the target of 3.3 lakh units. Haryana has also received the Blood Donation Excellence Award from the Government of India for the second consecutive year for the highest blood donation in 2024-25, he said.
Saini expressed happiness at being present among people at the blood donation camp organized on the sacred land of Kurukshetra on the occasion of Khattar’s birthday, who turned 72 on Tuesday.
Extending birthday greetings, Saini said that Khattar’s life is an inspiration for all. Throughout his political and social life, he has always given top priority to service, transparency, and public welfare.
Organising a blood donation camp on his birthday is a true reflection of his values, he said. (PTI)
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