INVC,,
Delhi,,
Haryana Chief Minister Mr. Bhupinder Singh Hooda today said that the State Government aims to develop Kurukshetra as not only a spiritual and tourist centre of international level, but also of science and technology. Efforts are being made to bring prestigious religious institutions like Iskon and Akshardham in Kurukshetra.
Mr. Hooda was speaking after laying the foundation stone of Sri Venkateswara Swamy (Balaji) Temple in Kurukshetra today. The temple would be constructed over an area of 5.52 acres at an estimated cost of Rs. 30 crore. The land for the construction of the temple has been provided by Kurukshetra Development Board.
The Chief Minister said that Sri Venkateswara Swamy (Balaji) Temple would be the replica of Tirupati Balaji Temple in Andhra Pradesh which is located at the Saptgiri Tirupati Hills. He said that it was a matter of pride that Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), Tirupati has decided to construct a replica of famous Balaji Temple in Kurukshetra and has made a contract with Kurukshetra Development Board in this regard. With the construction of this temple , the glory of the “dharma-kshetra” would be further enhanced.
On the demand put up by the Chairman, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), Tirupati Mr. Kanumuru Bapi Raju who is also the Member of Parliament, Mr. Hooda said that a high level committee would be constituted under his (Mr. Hooda) Chairmanship to review the progress of construction of the temple. The Chairman of (TTD) Mr. Kanumuru Bapi Raju would be Vice-President of the committee and an officer of Indian Administrative Service, Mr. T.V.S.N. Prasad would be Member Secretary. The executive members of TTD Board and officers of the concerned departments in Haryana Government would be its member. The Committee would meet once every month and review the construction work. Mr. Hooda assured every possible help of the State Government for timely completion of the construction of this temple.
While describing Kurukshetra as a ‘Dharma-Kshetra’, Mr Hooda said that it is the sacred land where Lord Krishna gave the message of “Karmayoga” to the humanity which was still guiding the humanity. Kurukshetra being a sacred land, people of every religion, caste and category visit it to take blessings of Lord Krishna. “Our all religious places whether it a temple, a mosque or a gurudwara, all teach us the lesson of tolerance, brotherhood, respect, love and harmony”, added Mr. Hooda.
The Chief Minister said that besides being a center of immense religious significance, Kurukshetra is also being established as a hub of science and technology. A planetarium has been set up here in the memory of astronaut Kalpana Chawla. Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition has been started in Jyotisar. Apart from this, a National Institute of Design would be set up in Kurukshetra which would be among the four such national institutes in the country. This institute would be like the one at Ahmedabad. A Multi-Art Cultural Center has also been set up in Kurukshetra at a cost of Rs six crore. He said that a bronze statue of Lord Krishna and Arjun’s Rath has also been installed in Kurukshetra at a cost of Rs. two crore and it was unveiled by UPA Chairperson Mrs. Sonia Gandhi. A digital gallery has been set up in Shri Krishna Museum at a cost of Rs five crore.
Mr. Hooda also greeted the people on the eve of Independence Day.
While speaking on the occasion, Haryana Governor Mr. Jagannath Pahadia said that today was a historical day for Kurukshetra as the foundation stone of Venkateshwar Swami (Balaji) temple has been laid at Kurukshetra. He said that Tirupati Balaji Temple is one of the famous temples. The Governor said that with the construction of this temple in Kurukshetra, the devotees of North India who were unable to visit Tirupati Balaji Temple, in Andhra Pradesh would now visit Kurukshetra to take blessings of lord Venkateshwar Swami (Balaji). He said that all credit goes to Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda as he gave approval for the construction of this temple in Kurukshetra.
Earlier, speaking on the occasion Chairman of (TTD) and MP Mr. Kanumuru Bapi Raju said that this is the first temple which the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams is building outside Andhara Pradesh. “It is a kind gesture of Chief Minister Mr. Bhupinder Singh Hooda which brought TTD here and with the support of the Chief Minister and State Government we are likely to complete this project within a year”.
On this occasion, MP Naveen Jindal said that his family has a deep belief in lord Balaji. He announced to give Rs. one crore for the construction of this temple on behalf of his family.
The Chief Minister also presented a memento of Shri Krishna and Arjun Rath to Mr. Kanumuru Bapi Raju and his wife.
Finance Minister Mr. Harmohinder Singh Chattha also spoke on the occasion.
Political Advisor to Chief Minister Prof. Virender Singh, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Sultan Singh Jadaula, Secretary, Governor Mr. Mohinder Kumar, MLA Mr. Anil Dhantodi, Ex-Minister Mrs. Prasanni Devi, Ex-MLA Mr. Ramesh Gupta, District Congress President Mr. Jai Bhagwan Sharma, IG, Karnal Range Mr. Balbir Singh, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Mandeep Singh Brar, Vice Chancellor of Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra Lt. Gen. D.D.S Sandhu and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.
