Kurukshetra conference ends with proposal for heritage museum

The three-day international conference on ‘Kurukshetra: Through the Ages’ concluded on Friday, with the conceptualisation of a “Kurukshetra Museum.”

The proposed museum aims to encapsulate nearly 10,000 years of the region’s rich historical, cultural and civilisational legacy.

Kurukshetra University Vice-Chancellor Prof Som Nath Sachdeva assured full institutional support for the project.

Conference Director Prof Bhagat Singh stated that the proposed museum would broadly divide Kurukshetra’s history into two major phases — 5,000 years preceding the Mahabharata era and 5,000 years following it.

Padma Shri Prof Raghuvendra Tanwar, Chairman of the Indian Council of Historical Research, emphasised that the establishment of such a museum would enhance Kurukshetra’s global historical identity. He noted that the initiative would serve as a vital link for future generations to connect with India’s ancient heritage.

Vision Kurukshetra president Madan Mohan Chhabra also pledged cooperation, stating that the museum could become a major attraction for tourists and scholars from across India and abroad.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana, who attended the concluding day event, said, “Kurukshetra has a glorious history, and this land has long served as a sacred ground for sages and seers. It was on this very soil that Lord Krishna delivered the sermon of Gita, a message that guides human life along the path of duty, righteousness and peace. Since ancient times, Kurukshetra has been recognised as a pivotal hub for agriculture, culture and spiritual traditions."

Gita scholar Swami Gyananand said that Kurukshetra possessed an immensely rich and glorious culture, and it was a collective responsibility to preserve and pass this heritage on to future generations. He emphasised the need to showcase Kurukshetra’s deep-rooted faith, sanctity and historical significance to the global community.

Bharat Bhushan Bharti, OSD to the Chief Minister; Satish Kumar, Swadeshi Jagran Manch and a renowned economic expert; Prof Amarjit Singh, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Desh Bhagat University; and Colonel Arun Vashishth also addressed the gathering.

University’s Public Relations Deputy Director Dr Jimmy Sharma said the conference saw strong academic participation, with 900 registrations, including 770 online. Over 400 research papers were presented across 24 sessions, covering ancient Indian history (10), Sanskrit (four), modern history (four), law (two) and Punjabi (four).

Dr Sharma added that exhibitions jointly organised by Kurukshetra University and the Indian Council of Historical Research on themes such as the Partition of India, the Indus Valley Civilisation, the Saraswati River and ancient coinage drew thousands of visitors, fostering wider public engagement with India’s cultural heritage.