Kurukshetra University’s Gulzarilal Nanda Centre marks ex-PM’s birth anniversary

Kurukshetra University’s Gulzarilal Nanda Centre for Ethics, Philosophy, Museum, and Library on Friday solemnly observed the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Gulzarilal Nanda, a Bharat Ratna awardee.

On the occasion, a havan was organised and tributes were paid by politicians and officials of Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra Development Board (KDB), and the district administration.

Emphasising the enduring relevance of Nanda’s ideals, Kurukshetra University Vice-Chancellor Som Nath Sachdeva said it was essential to imbibe the principles of integrity, service, and simplicity, exemplified by Nanda.

Nanda devoted his life to public service and significantly contributed to Kurukshetra’s development, making the city his ‘karma bhoomi’, he added.

He urged the public, especially the youth, to draw inspiration from Nanda’s life and values. Former Minister of State Subhash Sudha reflected on Nanda’s visionary contribution to the growth of Kurukshetra.

He said the establishment of the KDB was a step in realising Nanda’s dream of a progressive Kurukshetra, adding, “Gulzarilal Nanda’s unwavering belief in action over words continues to guide the developmental journey of this sacred land. His contribution in keeping the history of Kurukshetra alive can never be forgotten. He played an instrumental role in the development of Kurukshetra. Keeping his goal in mind, Kurukshetra Development Board was established to develop Kurukshetra and the 48-kos pilgrimage sites. Now, through the board, the state government is renovating the 48-kos pilgrimage sites and a budget of several crores of rupees has also been spent for these.”

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini have been working to promote Kurukshetra on a global scale. The pace of development in the area is being accelerated. International Gita Mahotsav is organised at Brahma Sarovar here every year, in which lakhs of tourists participate,” he added.

Thanesar MLA Ashok Arora said, “Nanda had played an important role in the development of Kurukshetra.” 48-kos Tirtha Monitoring Committee Chairman Madan Mohan Chhabra, Kurukshetra Development Board CEO Pankaj Setia, KDB Honorary Secretary Upender Singhal and KU Registrar Virender Pal were among those present at the event.