LUCKNOW: Gita is not merely meant to be read, but to be lived. Although this programme concluded today, our duty does not end with the event. We are all present here because the message of the Gita must be realised in our conduct. The Gita comprises 700 sholokas; if we study just two verses every day, reflect upon them, and bring the essence into practice—correcting every shortcoming in our lives, then within a year our life can move significantly towards becoming truly Gitamay (infused with the Gita), said Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarsanghchalak (RSS) Dr Mohan Bhagwat while addressing the Divya Gita programme on November 23, 2025 at Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
Dr Mohan Bhagwat said that just as Arjuna was overwhelmed by delusion on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, today the entire world is experiencing fear, attachment, and confusion amidst the struggles of life. Despite excessive hard work and constant running, people are unable to experience peace, discipline, contentment, and rest. The conflicts, anger, and social distortions described a thousand years ago still exist in various forms even today. Material prosperity has increased, but inner peace and balance are missing from life. Countless people now realise that the path they followed until now was not the right one, and that they need a true path. This path lies in India’s eternal life-tradition and in the wisdom of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, which has provided joy, peace, and harmony to the world for centuries.
He further said that the Gita is the essence of numerous Upanishads and philosophies. Even a steadfast, courageous, and duty-bound person like Arjuna fell into delusion; then Bhagwan Shri Krishna reminded him of fundamental truth, dharma, and duty, making him once again sthitaprajna (steady in wisdom). It is necessary to understand the essence of the Gita in simple language so that it becomes internalised in life. Every time one reflects upon the Gita, it offers fresh inspiration and guides according to the situation.
The first instruction of Bhagwan Krishna is, do not run away from problems and face them. Do not harbour the ego of “I am the doer,” for the real doer is the Divine. Death is inevitable, the body is ever-changing. The Gita is not just a text for study but a discipline for living. If we bring the Gita into our conduct, we can rise above fear, attachment, and weaknesses, making life dedicated, meaningful, and successful. Even the smallest act performed with a spirit of service is considered noble. Establishing peace in the world is possible only through the Gita. Freeing ourselves from dilemmas and moving forward in national service is our supreme duty and this alone can elevate Bharat once again to the status of Vishwaguru, he said.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that every follower of Sanatan Dharma in Bharat must read the 18 chapters and 700 sholokas of the Gita with deep devotion. We have never considered dharma to be merely a method of worship; for us, dharma is the art of living. We perform every duty with a sense of dharma. We have never boasted about our greatness. There should be no injustice; our thought must be live and let live. Wars are fought for duties. Where there is dharma, there is victory. One must act according to one’s dharma. Any action done with adharma leads only to destruction.
He further said that, the manner in which the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is connecting itself with its centenary celebrations has become a subject of curiosity and wonder for the world. Ambassadors from various countries visit and ask whether people here are associated with the Sangh. We say yes, we have worked as swayamsevaks. The organisation dedicates itself to society and works in every field. Any distressed person who approaches is served by every swayamsevak, considering it his duty, without worrying about caste, creed, religion, region, or language. Service is never linked with any bargaining. This is the teaching of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh: with the spirit of ‘Nation First,’ stand with every person in distress who can contribute to taking Bharat towards supreme glory. This is the inspiration of the Sangh, which in the last hundred years has served without any deal-making while some people, in Bharat and abroad, have turned service into a matter of transaction.
Gita Manishi Swami Gyanananda Ji Maharaj said that the Divya Gita programme will carry a message across the nation. This programme is not a display; it is an inspiration. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, in its centenary year, is also conveying the message of Panch-Parivartan to society, and the influence of Bharatiya Nationalism is increasing.
Ramananda Acharya Shridhar Maharaj said that the solution to environmental challenges lies in the Gita. Through Vedic mantras, one must perform yajnas, conserve water, and protect nature.
Swami Parmatmananda Ji Maharaj said that the first word of the Gita is Dharma, and the last word is also “Dharma.” Thus, the Gita gives us the timeless message of Dharma.
