Hyderabad, 6 December 2024: The second edition of Gitopadesh summit kicked off at Kanha Shanti Vanam – the headquarters of Heartfulness and the largest meditation centre in the world in the outskirts of Hyderabad. Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya ji graced the event as the Chief Guest and inaugurated the three-day summit. He was joined by Rev. Daaji – Guide of Heartfulness & President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission. Over 1500 students from 20 education institutions from different states of India participated in the event with great enthusiasm showcasing their knowledge of the Gita through recitations, drama, storytelling workshops, music concerts, dance performances, insightful talks, and more. Ms. Roopa Pai – children’s books author; Mr. Gautam Khattar – Spiritual Orator & Vedic Philosopher; Mr. Rishi Ranjan – Global IT Leader, Speaker on Reality & Heartfulness Trainer also joined the occasion as Guest Speakers. Apart from educational institutions, this three-day summit is open to individuals of all ages and all walks of life.
Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya ji – Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh said, “The new generation needs to be well-versed with the Gita. Gita is a way of life, it is a philosophy that can help each of us to live our lives successfully both spiritually and materialistically. It is very heart-warming that under Pujya Daaji’s vision this summit is coming to fruition. We hope more and more young people irrespective of their backgrounds participate and have a shared appreciation of the teachings of the Gita.”
Rev. Daaji – Guide of Heartfulness & President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission said, “The Bhagwat Gita is not a religious doctrine, it is the key to lead a successful life and understand life through a holistic perspective. Equanimity in life is the foundation to find true peace and happiness. We want to raise a generation of children and youth who will be the building blocks of a society that lives and flourishes with equanimity. This summit is to raise that awareness and we are truly honoured to have Shri Maurya ji’s support here with us today.”
The purpose of Gitopadesh Summit 2024 with the theme titled समत्वं योग उच्यते – “Equanimity is Yoga” is: 1. To Increase the awareness of Gitopadesh and bring more seekers to its fold and take this program to spread the awareness to more yearning hearts 2. To Foster innovation, collaboration, and inner education through dialogue on the Gita’s enduring wisdom 3. To promote innovation and inner education through dialogue on the Gita’s legacy 4. Explore inner potential 5. Inner transformation 6. Engaging students with interactive, value-based methods for moral and spiritual growth 7. Character-formation.
The summit includes innovative sessions and competitions on the Gita, sloka recitation and poster making competition for children and youth, insightful talks, dance performances, music concerts, engaging games, quiz programs, art, puppetry and storytelling workshops and much more. The dance drama will be held for ages 7 to 21 years, competitions including sloka recitation from 5-21 years, poster-making competition from the age of 8-21 years. The Gitopadesh Summit creates a supportive and inclusive environment aimed at fostering a deep connection, understanding, and experience of the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita.
Gitopadesh Program is designed based in line with NEP 2020, Supports UN SDGs and Universal Human Values which caters not only children and youth but also the adults. This program supports holistic, creative development per India’s education policy, embraces global unity and well-being, echoing Gita’s universal values, and instils ethical foundations inspired by timeless Gita principles.