Bhopal/Ujjain, Dec 1 (NationPress) The three-day International Gita Mahotsav commenced with a vibrant spiritual atmosphere at Dussehra Ground in Ujjain on Monday. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav inaugurated the festival, highlighting that the Bhagavad Gita should be included in every child's school bag.

“We have emphasized the Gita and the divine lessons of our Lord Krishna in our educational syllabus,” the Chief Minister stated, referencing the new education policy introduced in 2020.

Dr Yadav officially launched the celebrations by lighting a ceremonial lamp amidst the melodious chanting of Gita shlokas by scholars. The esteemed saint Ranganathacharya Maharaj was warmly welcomed during the event.

Addressing a gathering filled with saints, seers, schoolchildren, and students, the Chief Minister described the Gita as a timeless source of wisdom essential for day-to-day living.

“The friendship between Lord Krishna and Sudama, who studied together in the same gurukul, illustrates the absence of discrimination between wealth and poverty. This is an important lesson for current students,” he remarked.

He declared that the Madhya Pradesh government has already given the Bhagavad Gita a prominent role in the school curriculum. “The Gita transcends being merely a religious text; it is a compendium of practical knowledge that every child should possess,” Dr Yadav asserted.

The Chief Minister mentioned that he would attend similar Gita Mahotsav events in Bhopal later in the day and inaugurate the newly constructed Gita Bhavan in Indore that evening.

This festival, coinciding with Gita Jayanti, will feature an impressive cultural program. On Monday evening, Bollywood actor-director Puneet Issar will present the dance-drama 'Jai Shri Krishna – Gita Saar' at Dussehra Maidan. Tuesday will showcase Delhi artist Vaishnavi Sharma's performance, followed by the play 'Krishnayan', directed by Mohit Shewani.

The grand finale on Wednesday will feature acclaimed artist Salauddin Pasha’s innovative “Gita on Wheels,” along with various other performances.

A special exhibition featuring paintings in the Madhava Darshanam and traditional miniature styles is also drawing large crowds.

Shriram Tiwari, Trustee Secretary of Veer Bharat Trust, the organizing entity, remarked, “The Gita extends far beyond a mere religious scripture — it imparts the art of living with knowledge, duty, discipline, and positivity. Through this Mahotsav, we aim to disseminate this eternal message throughout society.” The International Gita Mahotsav will continue in Ujjain and across the state until December 3.