normalnormalnormalHaryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, while appreciating the successful organisation of the recently concluded International Gita Mahotsav in Japan, said that the festival would further strengthen cultural cooperation between India and Japan. He directed officials to extend a special invitation to a Japanese delegation for the International Gita Mahotsav held in Kurukshetra and to take necessary initiatives to further enhance cultural and academic exchanges between the two countries.A detailed report on the International Gita Mahotsav-Japan was presented to the Chief Minister at his residence on Friday. The report was submitted in the gracious presence of Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj by Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, Member Secretary, Kurukshetra Development Board; Upendra Singhal, Honorary Secretary; and Vijay Narula, Member, International Gita Jayanti Mela Authority.The delegation informed the Chief Minister that a total of 18 programmes were successfully organised during the seventh International Gita Mahotsav held in Japan from June 18 to 23, 2026. The primary objective of the festival was to promote the universal message of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita in Japan, encourage academic and cultural cooperation, and further strengthen cultural ties between India, particularly Kurukshetra, and Japan.During the festival, copies of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita were presented to members of Japan’s House of Councillors (Upper House), the IDP Headquarters, the Osaka Assembly, and a former Prime Minister of Japan. An International Gita Symposium was organised at the University of Tokyo, where extensive discussions were held on the global message and contemporary relevance of the Gita.In addition, a special exhibition highlighting cultural similarities between India and Japan, various cultural programmes, Gita Yajna, Global Gita Recitation, Gita Sadbhavana Yatra, and a grand Gita Aarti on the banks of the Arakawa River were organised.One of the major attractions of the festival was a special 40-minute presentation of the Gita through Japan’s renowned Kabuki theatre tradition, which was enthusiastically attended and appreciated by a large number of Japanese citizens.The delegation also visited the historic and prestigious Otani University in Osaka. Detailed discussions were held with the university’s Vice-Chancellor regarding the promotion of academic and cultural exchanges between India, particularly Kurukshetra, and Japan, as well as the expansion of research activities related to the Gita.Additionally, the delegation held meaningful discussions with the Mayor of Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital, on establishing sister-city relations and enhancing cultural cooperation.The delegation stated that the core objective of the festival is to develop interest among students and young researchers in the study and research of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, encourage Gita-based research in universities, and elevate cultural and academic cooperation between India and Japan to new heights.It is noteworthy that previous editions of the International Gita Mahotsav have been successfully organised in Mauritius, London, Canada, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia, with Japan becoming the seventh international destination in this series.*Haryana Caps Daily Property Registration Appointments at 20 Per Office to Ensure Faster, Transparent Services*A move aimed at streamlining property registrations and curbing delays, the Haryana Government has capped the number of daily registration appointments at 20 tokens per registration office at the tehsil and sub-divisional levels. The new token-based system came into force across the state on July 2, 2026.Financial Commissioner Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Dr. Sumita Misra, has communicated the revised arrangement to all Deputy Commissioners, directing them to ensure its strict implementation.Under the new system, 20 tokens per day will be randomly allotted to the office of the District Revenue Officer-cum-Joint Sub-Registrar at each district headquarters tehsil, and regularly 20 tokens will be issued randomly daily to the office of the Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil)-cum-Sub-Registrar at the sub-divisional level. The existing system at sub-tehsil offices will remain unchanged.The government has specified that the tokens will be generated daily and on a random basis, a move intended to eliminate preferential treatment and ensure equal opportunity for all applicants seeking registration of sale deeds and other property documents.Revenue officers have been instructed to ensure that every allotted token is honoured and that the registration process is completed within the prescribed time. The directions apply to documents requiring compulsory or optional registration under Sections 17 and 18 of the Registration Act, 1908.The state government believes the token-based mechanism will make the property registration process more transparent, predictable and citizen-friendly, while significantly reducing overcrowding at registration offices.The reform is also expected to check the influence of middlemen, who often exploit applicants by promising quicker appointments or preferential access to registration counters. By introducing a fixed number of randomly generated daily appointments, the government aims to ensure a fair and orderly system where every applicant receives equal treatment.Rakhigarhi will Become the Strongest Global Symbol of India’s Ancient Civilization- Chief Minister Visitors from India and abroad will experience the 8,000-year-old Saraswati–Sindhu Civilization through cutting-edge technology World-class Interpretation Centre and Site Museum to blend history, culture, science and technologyHaryana Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini on late Thursday evening chaired a high-level review meeting at Chandigarh to assess the progress and design of the world-class Site Museum and Interpretation Centre being developed at Rakhigarhi.While reviewing every aspect of the ambitious project in detail, the Chief Minister directed officers to develop it in accordance with international standards so that Rakhigarhi emerges not merely as an archaeological site, but as a global centre showcasing India’s ancient civilization, cultural heritage and knowledge traditions.Chief Secretary, Anurag Rastogi, Commissioner and Secretary, Heritage and Tourism Department, Dr Amit Agrawal, Deputy Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Dr Yashpal, and Deputy Director, Haryana Archaeology and Museums Department, Dr Narender Parmar also attended the meeting.Briefing the Chief Minister on the project’s future roadmap, Dr Amit Agrawal said the Interpretation Centre and Site Museum are being conceived beyond the conventional museum model, with extensive use of advanced digital, electronic and audio-visual technologies. Visitors will not only view archaeological remains but will also be able to experience the lifestyle, culture and social organisation of the Saraswati–Sindhu Civilization through immersive modern technology, he said.Dr Amit Agrawal further informed the meeting that the complex is being developed over an area of approximately 100,000 square feet. Five theme-based galleries each will be established on the ground and first floors, presenting various dimensions of the Saraswati–Sindhu Civilization through state-of-the-art technology.He said that these galleries will comprehensively showcase the seven mounds of Rakhigarhi, the different phases of archaeological excavations, significant artefacts unearthed at the site, urban planning, residential architecture, streets, drainage systems, water management, grain storage, trade and commerce, livelihoods, social life, and the technological and cultural achievements of the period in an engaging and scientifically curated manner.The Chief Minister was apprised that the Orientation Gallery will provide detailed insights into the Civilization of the Seven Rivers and the evolution of the Saraswati–Sindhu Civilization. In addition, short films, digital projections, 3D presentations and other advanced interpretive tools will enable visitors to understand the story of the civilization in an engaging and accessible manner.The Interpretation Centre will also feature experiential learning activities, particularly for children and young visitors. They will be able to closely observe and understand the process of making ancient seals, study replicas of bricks, artefacts and other historical objects used during the period, and participate in traditional games and other interactive activities, making the study of history both educational and enjoyable.The Chief Minister was further apprised that archaeological excavations are currently underway at three of Rakhigarhi’s mounds. The museum will also document the various phases of excavation, the significant discoveries made over time, and how these findings have contributed to a deeper understanding of world history and Indian civilization.Situated close to National Highway-152, Rakhigarhi possesses immense tourism potential. Upon completion, the project is expected to emerge as one of the country’s premier tourism, cultural and educational destinations. It is also expected to generate new employment opportunities locally and accelerate the region’s economic development.Officers further informed that the Union Ministry of Finance has approved Rs. 90 crores for the project, under which the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will develop visitor amenities, including protective shelters and other essential infrastructure, to ensure that tourists can explore the archaeological site in a safe, convenient and authentic environment.Replica of Ancient Akhand Bharat to be FeaturedThe Chief Minister directed the officers to develop Rakhigarhi as a global heritage destination where every visitor can take pride in experiencing the scientific outlook, cultural richness and civilizational journey of ancient India.He directed that the museum should also depict the geographical expanse of ancient Akhand Bharat (Undivided India) and illustrate the extent to which the heritage of Rakhigarhi spread, enabling visitors to understand the broader civilizational landscape of that era.The Chief Minister said the museum’s objective is not merely to display history but to bring it to life for future generations. Families, students, researchers and visitors from India and abroad should leave with a meaningful understanding of India’s thousands-year-old civilization, presented through a contemporary and immersive perspective.normalnormalThe post Detailed Report on International Gita Mahotsav Japan Presented to CM appeared first on Chandigarh City News.