Gita’s teachings hold key to global harmony: Scholars at Kurukshetra University event

A special Round Table Session on “Learning from the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita” was held on the second day of the 10th International Gita Conference (IGC–2025) at Kurukshetra University.

In his presidential address, Vice Chancellor Prof Som Nath Sachdeva said that the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita continues to be a timeless source of guidance for ethical governance, sustainable development, and global peace. He urged participants to integrate its teachings into their personal and professional lives.

Delivering the keynote address, Gita scholar Swami Gyananand said that Lord Krishna’s message, delivered over 5,000 years ago, represents not merely a religious scripture but a complete philosophy and a way of life. “When the Gita resides in one’s heart, one connects to the right ‘digital’ source and life’s solutions emerge naturally,” he remarked.

Neena Malhotra, Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, who was the Guest of Honour, said that the ministry draws inspiration from the eternal wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita in its approach to international relations and diplomacy.

Several international delegates shared their perspectives during the session. Dr Marcis Gazuns (Russia) emphasised the need to check rising dependence on Artificial Intelligence and preserve human reasoning. Satya Kalra highlighted the importance of balance in Ahar (diet) and Vihar (lifestyle), calling for responsible use of AI guided by human values. Mark Allen (Australia) underlined the significance of face-to-face learning for holistic education, while Swami Sanyuktanand (Fiji) spoke on honouring parents and ancestors through Pitri-Matri Puja. Zoltan Hosszu (Hungary) viewed meditation as a means to attain inner peace and promote global harmony through devotion to Lord Krishna.

On environmental concerns, Prof Rao (Jawaharlal Nehru University) linked the Gita’s principle of selfless action to climate responsibility. Anna Rucinska (Poland) advocated reduced use of harmful chemicals to protect nature. Daniel Hume (Ethiopia) related spiritual living to sustainability, while Pankaj Das (Bahrain) explained the Panch Yajna concept as a framework of duties towards society, nature, and all living beings for peace and harmony.