President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday attended the state-level Diamond Jubilee celebrations in Kurukshetra, marking 60 years since Haryana was formed on November 1, 1966. She unveiled the state's Diamond Jubilee logo at a ceremony held at Kurukshetra University, highlighting Haryana's contributions to India's cultural, social, political and sporting achievements.
Addressing the gathering, Murmu said Haryana had played a remarkable role in enriching Indian culture and contributing to the country's development. She noted that the sacred land of Kurukshetra was where the eternal message of the Bhagavad Gita originated and subsequently spread across the world, while the state had also achieved several milestones in the modern era.
Haryana Governor Ashim Kumar Ghosh and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini attended the ceremony. Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana, MP Naveen Jindal, Director of the Information, Public Relations and Languages Department Dr Aditya Dahiya, Deputy Commissioner Vishram Kumar Meena and other officials were also present.
Murmu recalls Haryana's historical and cultural legacy
The President highlighted the contributions of several prominent personalities from Haryana, saying its people had played significant roles in the freedom struggle, social transformation, democracy, literature and science.
She cited the courage of Rao Tula Ram, the commitment of Deenbandhu Sir Chhotu Ram to farmers' welfare, Pandit Neki Ram Sharma's service to the nation and Dada Lakhmi Chand's dedication to folk culture as important parts of the state's heritage.
Murmu also highlighted the achievements of women from Haryana in politics, science and other fields. She referred to Sucheta Kripalani, who was born in Haryana and went on to become India's first woman chief minister, and astronaut Kalpana Chawla, whose achievements in space exploration inspired countless girls.
The President said Haryana's daughters had also brought recognition to the country through their performances in international sporting competitions. She mentioned athletes Manu Bhaker, Sweety Boora and Jaismine Lamboria among those who had made the country proud.
Highlighting women's contribution to sports, Murmu said that five of the seven gold medals won by Haryana athletes at the Commonwealth Games held earlier this year had been secured by women. She also referred to Rewari para-athlete Sharmila Dhanda, whose gold medal victory demonstrated courage and determination.
Haryana's achievements in sports and development
Murmu also acknowledged Haryana's achievements in international sports, particularly the growing contribution of women athletes. Her remarks came as the state marked six decades of progress since its formation.
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, meanwhile, said the achievements made by Haryana over the past 60 years had laid a strong foundation for its next ambition of becoming India's first developed state. He said the government would work towards this goal while contributing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat-2047.
Recalling the President's participation in the International Gita Mahotsav in 2022, Saini said she had described the Bhagavad Gita as a spiritual light for humanity and a source of guidance in life. Her return to Kurukshetra had once again added significance to the occasion, he said.
The chief minister said Haryana's transformation since November 1, 1966, reflected the determination, hard work and enterprise of its people. He also highlighted the state's sporting achievements, noting that Haryana's athletes had won 11 medals at the Commonwealth Games and 32 at the Asian Games.
He said every occasion on which the Tricolour was raised on the international stage reflected the dedication and talent nurtured in Haryana.
President attends Gurukul's foundation anniversary
Following the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Murmu attended the 114th foundation anniversary of Gurukul Kurukshetra and commemorations marking the centenary of Swami Shraddhanand's martyrdom.
Addressing the gathering, she said institutions such as Gurukul Kurukshetra played an important role in preserving India's traditional knowledge systems and ethical values.
Earlier in the day, the President offered prayers at the Shaktipeeth Maa Bhadrakali temple in Kurukshetra, seeking happiness, peace and prosperity for the country.