Lucknow, November 23: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that every follower of Sanatan Dharma in India reverently seeks to imbibe the 700 verses of the 18 chapters of the Bhagavad Gita, considering them a guiding mantra for life. The Gita, he said, continues to offer fresh inspiration with every reading. It begins with the idea of dharma and concludes with the same eternal truth. The Bhagavad Gita is the true source of religious inspiration, he added. Chief Minister and Gorakshapeethadhishwar Mahant Yogi Adityanath shared these thoughts on Sunday during the “Divya Gita Prerana Utsav” organized at Janeshwar Mishra Park.
He stated, “Indian philosophy has always linked religion with duty. In our tradition, religion is not limited to rituals or methods of worship; these are only small components. Every individual may choose their way of worship based on belief or sect, but at its core, religion in Sanatan Dharma is the art of living. That is why we call it a Way of Life.”
The Chief Minister emphasized that the Bhagavad Gita contains the divine words of God. Quoting the verse “Dharmakshetra Kurukshetra Samaveta Yuyutsavah,” he said that nowhere else in the world is a battlefield considered a sacred land of dharma. In our belief system, performing righteous duty is virtuous and wrongdoing is sinful, and with this conviction, every follower of Sanatan Dharma strives to do good.
He said, “Since ancient times, India has given the message of compassion and humanity to the world. We have never claimed superiority or asserted that our way alone is absolute. Instead, we welcomed all those in distress, those seeking refuge, and those facing hardships. Followers of Sanatan Dharma have always stood with those in need.”
CM Yogi further said, “India is the land that taught the philosophy of ‘live and let live.’ The famous verse, “Ayam nijah paro veti ganana laghuchetasaam, udarcharitaanaam tu vasudhaiva kutumbakam,” also emerged from this land, expressing the belief that the world is one family. For us, every part of this country is sacred, and even a battlefield becomes a place of duty because battles fought for righteousness are also acts of dharma.”
Referring to the Mahabharata, the Chief Minister said that when Dhritarashtra asked about the outcome of the war, the answer had already been determined:
“Yatra Yogeshwarah Krishna, Yatra Partho Dhanurdharah,
Tatra Shrirvijayo Bhootiḥ Dhruva Neetirmatirmama.”
Where there is righteousness, truth, and duty, victory is certain. Those who walk the path of adharma can never truly succeed. This is the foundation of Sanatan Dharma and an unchanging law of nature.
The Chief Minister also related these teachings to contemporary life, quoting: “Swadharme nidhanam shreyah, paradharmo bhayavah,” meaning it is always better to remain committed to one’s righteous duty, even in adversity. Abandoning duty for personal gain leads to downfall.
Finally, he reminded us that Lord Krishna advocated selfless action, karma without expectation. Just as a seed, once planted with care, naturally grows and bears fruit, similarly, sincere work performed without desire for reward will inevitably yield results.
CM Yogi described the chief guest, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, as a symbol of selfless service and inspiration. He said, “As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh marks 100 years, ambassadors and high commissioners from across the world often ask whether we are associated with the RSS. We proudly say, ‘Yes, we have served as volunteers.’ They inquire about its source of funding, and we tell them clearly: neither OPEC nations nor international church organizations fund this movement. It is an institution built by society and for society, working with dedication across various fields. Every volunteer of the Sangh considers it their duty to serve the needy and oppressed, regardless of their caste, religion, region, or language.”
The Chief Minister said that the RSS has always inspired the spirit of “Nation First” and has stood with every person who can contribute to India’s growth and dignity. For the past century, the Sangh has upheld its commitment to service without compromise. In contrast, he noted, some people, both within India and abroad, have turned the idea of service into an instrument of bargaining. Through pressure, greed, and manipulation, they attempt to alter India’s demographic fabric and attack the nation’s cultural essence. In such times, the eternal wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita can serve as a renewed source of strength and guidance.
CM Yogi praised Swami Gyananand for presenting the message of “GIEO Gita” in a relatable and practical manner. He said that through simple and meaningful examples, Swami Gyananand has brought the teachings of the Gita into everyday life, whether for workers, farmers, students, youth, women, professionals, doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, soldiers, or guardians of the nation. His compact books carry deep inspiration and make the Gita accessible to all.
He emphasized that the Bhagavad Gita is not only meant for prison inmates or select individuals, it is a divine guide for all 1.4 billion Indians. It illuminates the path to success and offers a timeless philosophy for meaningful and balanced living. Every individual, he said, should embrace their teachings in their daily life.
The event was attended by the chief guest Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj (founder of Jiyo Gita), Swami Paramatma Nand Ji (General Secretary, All India Acharya Mahasabha), Shridharacharya Ji Maharaj, Santoshacharya Ji Maharaj ‘Satua Baba,’ Swami Dharmendra Das Ji Maharaj, Ramchandra Das Ji Maharaj, Swami Shashikant Das Ji Maharaj, Ramlal, Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Dinesh Sharma, program coordinator Mani Prasad Mishra, among others.
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