Haryana Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Krishan Kumar Bedi offers prayers at the Radha-Krishna Temple during a Shri Krishna Janmashtami programme at Gujjar Dharamshala.
Gujjar Dharamshala to receive ₹15 lakh grant; minister promises further support for temple beautification and ongoing construction works
KURUKSHETRA /PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK
Haryana Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Krishan Kumar Bedi has said that the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, is working on the principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Vishwas and remains committed to taking all sections of society along on the path of development.
Addressing a Shri Krishna Janmashtami celebration organised by the Gujjar Dharamshala Management Committee at the dharamshala premises on Friday, Bedi said the government was committed to the development and beautification of community dharamshalas belonging to different sections of society.
He said every community has an important role in preserving Haryana’s social and cultural fabric and the government would continue to extend support for institutions working to strengthen community infrastructure. Referring specifically to the Gujjar community, the minister said it has a proud history and has traditionally played an important role in protecting the country’s values, traditions, religion and culture.
During the programme, Bedi visited the Radha-Krishna Temple located within the dharamshala complex and offered prayers. He paid obeisance before Lord Radha-Krishna and prayed for peace, prosperity, happiness and communal harmony across Haryana. He also extended his greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Shri Krishna Janmashtami.
The minister announced a ₹15 lakh grant for the Gujjar Dharamshala, signalling government support for the development of the institution. The programme was presided over by former MLA Leelaram Gujjar.
Bedi said institutions such as the Gujjar Dharamshala serve a purpose far beyond providing physical infrastructure. Such establishments, he said, contribute to preserving cultural heritage, strengthening social bonds and passing traditional values and moral teachings on to younger generations.
He described community dharamshalas as important symbols of social unity, organisation and brotherhood. According to him, such institutions provide communities with spaces where cultural, religious and social activities can be organised while helping preserve their collective heritage.
Referring to the teachings of Lord Krishna, Bedi said Krishna’s life and the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita continue to inspire humanity to follow the path of duty, righteousness and truth. He said the message of Krishna remains relevant because it emphasises the importance of performing one’s responsibilities with sincerity and standing against injustice and wrongdoing.
The minister also made a broader commitment towards the development of the Gujjar Dharamshala. He said the government would extend all possible assistance for the beautification of the Radha-Krishna Temple situated on the premises and for other construction works currently under way at the dharamshala.
Bedi said an appropriate government grant would be released soon for the proposed development works so that the community does not face difficulties in completing the projects. His announcement was welcomed by those attending the programme, with the gathering responding with loud applause.
Gujjar Dharamshala Committee president Rishipal Kasana thanked the minister for attending the Janmashtami programme and said his presence was a matter of pride for the entire community. Kasana said Bedi had consistently remained associated with the community and had shared its concerns and occasions of happiness and difficulty.
He welcomed the chief guest and other dignitaries on behalf of the management committee and expressed gratitude for the government’s support for the development of the dharamshala.
The Janmashtami programme brought together community representatives, public figures and other prominent citizens. The celebrations also highlighted the importance of religious and cultural institutions in maintaining social cohesion and transmitting traditional values to future generations.
Chairman Ashok Sirsi, former MLA Leelaram Gujjar, vice-president Ashok Gujjar, Jat Sabha president Krishan Sheokand, Rao Surender Singh, Suresh Tanwar, Rajpal Tanwar, advocate Gyan Singh, Naresh Arya, Ramchander Gujjar and Ramswaroop Gangal were among those present on the occasion, besides several other prominent citizens.
The minister’s announcement of financial assistance and his assurance of further government support for the temple and construction works are expected to provide an impetus to the development activities at the Gujjar Dharamshala. The event combined religious observance with a message of cultural preservation, community solidarity and continued government support for social institutions.
