Chief Minister attends State-Level “Somnath Swabhiman Parv” at Arunai in Pehowa

Offers prayers at temple, prays for peace, prosperity and well-being of the state

101 women participate in grand Kalash Yatra

Chief Minister inaugurates newly rennovated Arunai Langar Hall

Chandigarh, May 11 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Monday attended the state-level “Somnath Swabhiman Parv” programme as the Chief Guest at Shree Sangmeshwar Mahadev Temple located at Arunai in Pehowa, district Kurukshetra. On this occasion, the Chief Minister offered prayers in the temple and prayed for the happiness, prosperity and well-being of the people of the state.

During the programme, the Chief Minister flagged off a grand Kalash Yatra comprising 101 women. A large number of devotees participated in the spiritually vibrant procession held amidst a devotional atmosphere.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister welcomed and felicitated the saints and sages who had specially come from various pilgrimage sites of the 48 Kos region. He also sought their blessings.

The Chief Minister said that such religious and cultural events play an important role in strengthening the country’s rich traditions, cultural heritage and social harmony.

During the programme, the Chief Minister also inaugurated the newly inaugurated Arunai Langar Hall in the temple premises.

The Chief Minister also inaugurated and visited a special exhibition organised by the Information, Public Relations and Languages Department, Haryana on the theme “Somnath Swabhiman Parv”. The exhibition showcased the glorious history and cultural heritage of the Somnath Temple, along with various aspects related to the nation’s faith and pride through attractive visuals and informative displays.

The Chief Minister said that such exhibitions help connect the younger generation with the country’s rich history and culture.

Earlier, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini visited Jyotisar, the sacred land associated with the message of the Bhagavad Gita, where he offered prayers and wished for the prosperity and welfare of the people of the state. During the visit, he also reviewed the ongoing development works at Jyotisar.

The Chief Minister said that the development of religious and historical sites remains among the top priorities of the state government so that better facilities can be provided to devotees and tourists visiting from across the country and abroad.

Swami Shri Gyananand Ji Maharaj, Mahant Ravindra Puri Ji Maharaj, Bansi Puri Ji Maharaj, former Minister of State Subhash, Sh. Sudha, BJP District President, Sh. Tejender Goldy, Additional Director, Information, Public Relations and Languages Department, Smt. Varsha Khangwal, Additional Director, Information, Public Relations and Languages Department, Sh. Manish Lohan, Director, Shaheed Smarak, Ambala, Dr. Kuldeep Saini, representatives of various religious organisations, saints, dignitaries and a large number of devotees also remained present during the event.

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Somnath Temple a Timeless Symbol of India’s Sanatan Consciousness, Cultural Pride and National Self-Respect- Chief Minister

CM participates in ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parva’ at Shree Sangmeshwar Mahadev Temple Arunai in Pehowa, Kurukshetra

New India under PM Narendra Modi is progressing with both development and heritage together, says CM

CM calls upon youth to reconnect with India’s spiritual roots, history and cultural heritage

Special pilgrimage train from Haryana to Somnath to depart on June 8 under Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana

Chandigarh, May 11– Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the Somnath Temple is not merely a place of worship but a timeless symbol of India’s Sanatan consciousness, unwavering faith and national self-respect that has inspired the nation to rise stronger after every invasion, struggle and adversity.

Addressing the state-level “Somnath Swabhiman Parva” as Chief Guest, organised at the sacred Shree Sangmeshwar Mahadev Temple Arunai in Pehowa, Kurukshetra on Monday, the Chief Minister said the year-long national celebration marking 75 years of the reconstruction of Somnath Temple reflects the spiritual awakening, cultural resurgence and civilisational continuity of India.

During the event, the Chief Minister and the dignitaries present also watched the live telecast from Somnath Temple, where Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi offered special prayers and addressed the gathering.

Beginning his address with chants of Har Har Mahadev, the Chief Minister said that celebrating the Parva at the holy confluence of the Vedic rivers Arunai and Saraswati further enhanced the spiritual significance of the occasion. He said the ancient Sangameshwar Temple has, for centuries, remained a sacred reminder of this divine confluence and India’s rich spiritual heritage.

Extending greetings to devotees on the occasion of Somnath Swabhiman Parva, the Chief Minister said the celebration commenced on January 11 this year and will continue till January 11, 2027. He informed that devotees from across the country are visiting Somnath Temple during the commemorative year, and a special pilgrimage train carrying devotees from Haryana will depart on June 8 under the ‘Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana’ for economically weaker senior citizens.

PM Modi has given a new global stature to India’s spiritual and cultural heritage

The Chief Minister said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, India’s spiritual and cultural heritage, has received renewed global recognition and respect.

He said the grand construction of Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya after centuries of wait and the consecration of Ram Lalla became the greatest symbol of the resurgence of Indian civilisation and cultural pride. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, the entire nation was immersed in devotion to Lord Shree Rama, he added.

Referring to the redevelopment of Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Mahakal Lok and Kedarnath Dham, the Chief Minister said these initiatives have restored the glory of India’s ancient pilgrimage centres and connected modern India with its civilisational roots.

He further said that through initiatives such as the Char Dham Project, PRASAD Scheme and preservation of cultural heritage sites, India is reconnecting with its spiritual foundations. This is a defining era of New India where development and heritage are progressing together, he added.

The Chief Minister said that by giving the message of Yoga, Ayurveda and “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” to the world, Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has elevated the stature of Indian culture globally.

Under the Prime Minister’s Leadership, India’s Sacred Pilgrimage Centres and Spiritual Heritage Sites Witness Historic Revival and Grand Transformation

Referring to the redevelopment of Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Mahakal Lok, Kedarnath Dham, the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor and the recently inaugurated Kurukshetra Anubhav Kendra, the Chief Minister said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, unprecedented work has been carried out over the past 11 years for the historic revival and grand transformation of the country’s major pilgrimage centres and spiritual heritage sites.

He said these initiatives have not only restored the ancient glory of India’s revered religious places but have also connected modern India with its rich civilisational and cultural heritage while providing world-class facilities and improved infrastructure for devotees.

Somnath is the eternal symbol of India’s resilience and Sanatan faith

Describing Somnath as the first among the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas, the Chief Minister said that according to the Puranas, Chandradev performed intense penance at this holy site to seek liberation from his sufferings, after which Lord Shiva manifested here in the form of a Jyotirlinga. Since then, the sacred shrine came to be known as Somnath.

The Chief Minister said the history of the Somnath Temple is the history of India’s endurance and spiritual resilience. The temple was attacked, looted and destroyed several times by foreign invaders, yet every time it rose again with greater strength, courage and faith.

The Chief Minister said that foreign invaders attempted not only to destroy a temple, but also India’s faith, culture and identity. However, they failed to understand that Sanatan does not exist merely in temples; it lives in the hearts of the people of India, he said.

Reconstruction of Somnath restored India’s cultural self-respect

Recalling the reconstruction of Somnath after Independence, the Chief Minister said Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had viewed the rebuilding of the temple as the restoration of national honour and cultural pride.

The Chief Minister further said that India’s first President, Dr Rajendra Prasad, inaugurated the reconstructed Somnath Temple in May 1951 and said that the completion of 75 years of the reconstruction is a matter of pride for every Indian.

He further said that this year also marks 1,000 years since the first attack on Somnath in 1026 AD, making the “Somnath Swabhiman Parva” a symbol of a thousand years of endurance and unbroken faith.

Youth must know India’s glorious civilisational heritage

The Chief Minister called upon the younger generation to reconnect with India’s spiritual and cultural roots. He said that India is not merely a geographical entity; India is a civilisation, a culture and a spiritual consciousness, he said.

He said the Somnath Swabhiman Parva is not merely a remembrance of the past, but a national campaign for cultural awakening and civilisational consciousness. He urged parents and society to ensure that future generations remain connected to India’s glorious heritage, traditions and spiritual values.Haryana Government committed to preservation of spiritual and cultural heritage

Highlighting the efforts being made by the Haryana Government for preservation of spiritual and cultural heritage, the Chief Minister said continuous work is being undertaken for the development of pilgrimage centres, conservation of temples and sarovars and promotion of religious tourism.

He said that within the sacred 48-kos land of Kurukshetra, situated between the Saraswati and Drishadvati rivers, 367 pilgrimage sites have been identified, many of which had faded into obscurity over time.

The Chief Minister informed that after an extensive survey and documentation, 18 new pilgrimage sites were added in 2023, taking the total documented pilgrimage sites in the sacred region to 182.

He further said that under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, Kurukshetra was included in the Shri Krishna Circuit in 2015, and several pilgrimage destinations are being developed under the project. As part of this initiative, 134 locations within the 48-kos region will be developed as tourism and spiritual destinations.

Referring to the recently inaugurated Jyotisar Anubhav Kendra, the Chief Minister said the state-of-the-art complex developed at a cost of around Rs 200 crore uses modern technology to present the philosophy, teachings and history of the Mahabharata in an immersive manner for future generations.

Call for village-level cultural programmes and spiritual awareness

Appealing to saints, religious organisations, social institutions and youth to take the message of Somnath Swabhiman Parva to every household, the Chief Minister called for organising cultural programmes, Shiv Mahapuran recitations and Bhagavad Gita path in villages to strengthen awareness about India’s history, culture and spiritual traditions.

He said the nation must move ahead in science, technology and development while remaining firmly rooted in spirituality and cultural values. We must build an India that is modern yet deeply connected to its roots; an India that advances in science but never forgets spirituality, he said.

Notably, the Chief Minister was also felicitated by the temple committee and members of the Sant Samaj.

Somnath Swabhiman Parv symbolises India’s Sanatan culture and national pride

Speaking on the occasion, Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj said that Somnath Swabhiman Parv symbolises India’s Sanatan culture and national pride. He said that those who once tried to destroy Somnath have now been confined to the pages of history, but the flag of Somnath continues to convey the message of India’s strength and spiritual resilience.

Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj further said that the Somnath Temple stands as a symbol of India’s cultural identity and self-respect, and despite being destroyed repeatedly, it was rebuilt time and again through unwavering faith and devotion.

He further said that even after the invasion of Mohammad Ghaznavi nearly a thousand years ago, the Somnath Temple was reconstructed several times. Its restoration was later undertaken through the efforts of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Marking 75 years of its restoration, the occasion is being celebrated as “Swabhiman Parv”. Saints and devotees from across the country have collectively chanted the Omkar Mantra as part of the celebrations, he said.

Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj said that the history of Somnath not only teaches the spirit of struggle but also inspires patience, determination and resilience. He said that rising again despite repeated destruction over centuries reflects the true identity and spirit of India. He stressed that today’s younger generation must learn about the nation’s history, understand its cultural roots and take pride in its rich heritage.

Mahant Ravindra Puri Ji Maharaj, Bansi Puri Ji Maharaj, Pandit Satpal Maharaj, Gautam Bhushan, former Minister of State Subhash Sudha, Chairman Dharmveer Mirzapur, Vice Chairman Dhooman Singh Kirmach, Chairperson Kanwaljeet Kaur, Gurnam Saini and other distinguished dignitaries also remained present .

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Haryana Pushes Space-Tech Education, Directs Universities to Register Students for India Space Lab Internship Programme

Students to Receive Training in Drone Technology, Satellite Systems, Rocketry and GIS Under National Initiative

Chandigarh, May 11 — In a significant move aimed at connecting youth with emerging technologies and the rapidly expanding space sector, the Haryana Government has directed universities, colleges and educational institutions across the state to ensure participation of students and faculty members in the “India Space Lab: Summer Internship & Technical Training Programme-2026.”

Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi has written an official communication in this regard to all Administrative Secretaries of Haryana.

He has asked departments to widely disseminate information about the programme through official websites and institutional channels to maximize participation from students, researchers and faculty members.

Training in Advanced Space and Emerging Technologies

According to the programme details shared by India Space Lab, New Delhi, participants will receive online technical training in advanced fields such as Drone Technology, CanSat and CubeSat (student satellite systems), Rocketry, Remote Sensing using GIS, and Disaster Management. The internship is designed to provide industry-oriented exposure and practical understanding of emerging technologies linked to the space ecosystem.

The programme is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as research scholars from recognized institutions in India and abroad. Participants will work closely with different verticals and divisions related to space science and technology. Upon successful completion, candidates will receive internship completion certificates.

More Than 2,300 Seats Across Two Batches

The internship programme has been divided into two batches. Registration for the first batch was scheduled till April 27, while registration for the second batch will remain open till June 10. The first batch will run from May 1 to June 15, while the second batch will be conducted from June 17 to July 4.

A total of 2,315 seats have been allocated for the programme, including 1,270 seats in the first batch and 1,045 seats in the second batch. The registration fee has been fixed at Rs 950, while no separate training or internship fee will be charged. However, the programme does not include any stipend provision.

Linked to India’s Space Reforms and ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ Vision

In its communication, India Space Lab highlighted that the initiative aligns with the Government of India’s broader push towards strengthening space education, innovation and technical research under the “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision. The organisation also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on India’s growing space capabilities and the increasing need to prepare youth for future technologies.

The letter further stated that following the success of programmes such as India Space Week and National Space Day, the Summer Internship & Technical Training Programme-2026 has been launched to encourage greater participation of students in space science and advanced technical learning.

Boost for Skill Development and Employment Opportunities

Education and technology experts believe that such initiatives can play a major role in equipping students with practical skills in sectors expected to drive future employment and innovation. Fields such as drones, satellite systems, GIS mapping and disaster management are witnessing rapid growth globally, creating new opportunities for skilled professionals and technology-driven startups.

Officials said the initiative could help Haryana students gain early exposure to cutting-edge technologies and strengthen their competitiveness in India’s evolving science and technology landscape.

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*Haryana Strengthens Disaster Preparedness with State-Wide Emergency Response Framework*

*Dr. Sumita Misra issues comprehensive directives to all departments and districts under Incident Response System*

Chandigarh, May 11 – The Haryana Government has initiated a comprehensive state-wide preparedness exercise aimed at strengthening emergency response mechanisms across all departments and districts.

Financial Commissioner Revenue & Disaster Management Department, Dr. Sumita Misra has issued detailed directives to senior officers across Haryana for the effective implementation of the Haryana State Disaster Response Manual under the Incident Response System (IRS).

The initiative is being seen as a significant administrative reform designed to ensure quicker, more coordinated and efficient response during disasters and emergencies.

The Incident Response System, constituted under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, has already been notified at both State and District levels in Haryana. The framework provides a structured mechanism for command, coordination and resource management during emergencies.

Dr Misra informed that the IRS framework clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of every stakeholder, enabling departments to function in a synchronized manner during situations such as floods, heatwaves, industrial accidents and other emergencies.

The Haryana State Disaster Response Manual has been prepared in line with the guidelines of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Government of India, and serves as a comprehensive operational guide for officers involved in disaster management across the State.

As Incident Commander at the State level, Dr. Sumita Misra has written to Administrative Secretaries of 24 key stakeholder departments, directing them to ensure that designated officers are fully acquainted with their responsibilities.

The departments include Home, Environment & Forest, Transport, Civil Aviation, Finance, Police, Irrigation, Agriculture, School Education, Health, Energy, Urban Local Bodies, Fire & Emergency Services, Public Health Engineering and Women & Child Development, among others.

The move is expected to strengthen inter-departmental coordination and institutional readiness across the State administration. In another important direction, Dr. Misra has also written to all 23 Deputy Commissioners of Haryana, who function as Responsible Officers under the IRS framework at the district level. The Deputy Commissioners have been asked to ensure that all designated officers understand their assigned responsibilities and that regular training programmes and mock drills are conducted to maintain operational readiness.

Officers have also been instructed to strengthen district-level disaster response capabilities to ensure prompt action and better coordination during emergencies. The initiative aims to minimize loss of life, livelihood, infrastructure and property through better preparedness and quicker administrative response. The State Government believes that a well-trained and clearly defined response system will significantly improve Haryana’s ability to tackle future emergencies in an organized and efficient manner.

Dr. Misra further informed that the State Government, in coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority, Government of India, is conducting a State-level Mock Exercise on a flood disaster scenario on 14 May 2026 across 13 flood-prone districts of Haryana, namely Gurugram, Ambala, Faridabad, Fatehabad, Kaithal, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Panchkula, Panipat, Palwal, Sirsa, Sonipat, and Yamunanagar. An Orientation and Coordination Conference was successfully conducted on 06 May 2026. On 12 May 2026, a Table Top Exercise will discuss various response scenarios in detail, along with strategies to ensure success during the upcoming mock drill.

With all major departments and districts now aligned under a unified disaster response framework, Haryana is positioning itself as one of the leading states in institutional disaster preparedness and coordinated emergency management.

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RCC Pipeline Work at RD 66700 on Badhwana Distributary Must Be Completed by June 15: Shruti Choudhry

Instructions Issued to Clear Pending Forest Department-Related Works from RD 42500 to 66600 on Priority Basis

Minister Shruti Choudhry Conducts Surprise Inspection of Badhwana Distributary Remodelling Project

Chandigarh, May 11 – Haryana Irrigation and Water Resources Minister Shruti Choudhry has directed officials to ensure that the RCC pipeline work at RD 66700 under the Badhwana Distributary Remodelling Project is completed by June 15 at all costs so that farmers and the general public in the region can benefit from the project in a timely manner.

The Irrigation and Water Resources Minister issued these directions during a surprise inspection of the Badhwana Distributary Remodelling Project today.

The Minister said that the State Government had approved the remodelling of the Badhwana Distributary at an estimated cost of Rs. 41.30 crore and that work on the project is progressing rapidly. She directed officials to ensure that there is no delay in the execution of the project and that all pending processes are completed within the stipulated timeline.

Permanent Solution to Drinking Water Problems of Charkhi Dadri City and 35 Villages

The Irrigation Minister said that upon completion of the project, Charkhi Dadri city and around 35 nearby villages would directly benefit. The project will strengthen and provide a long-term solution for drinking water supply to nearly 2.30 lakh people in the region.

She said that improved water supply arrangements for irrigation and drinking purposes would directly benefit nearly 1.50 lakh urban residents and around 80,000 rural citizens. The project will play a crucial role in meeting the increasing water requirements of the area in the coming years.

Farmers to Get Direct Benefits

She said that after completion of the distributary remodelling work, farmers would receive better irrigation facilities and water supply would become more smooth and efficient. This would enhance agricultural productivity and accelerate the development of rural areas.

The Irrigation Minister also directed officials to immediately clear all pending issues related to the Forest Department from RD 42500 to 66600 on a priority basis so that no obstruction arises in the project work and the public can receive the full benefits of the project on time.

Project Will Help Increase Farmers’ Income

She stated that through this project, irrigation facilities would be made available for several hectares of agricultural land. This would provide adequate irrigation to farmers, increase crop production, and positively improve farmers’ income.

Additionally, ensuring water supply to 14 water works tanks and village ponds would strengthen water conservation efforts. This would also benefit livestock and strengthen livelihoods in rural areas.

Water Management System to Get New Strength

Shruti Choudhry said that the Badhwana Distributary, constructed nearly 50 years ago under the visionary leadership and development-oriented thinking of Lok Nayak Chaudhary Bansi Lal, has remained one of Haryana’s important irrigation projects. She added that this historic project is now being successfully remodelled with modern infrastructure, which will further strengthen the region’s water management system.