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Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has said the teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj on equality, human dignity and social justice remain highly relevant in modern society.Speaking at a state-level seminar on ‘Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj Bani and Social Equality’ at Amity University, Mohali, Cheema said Guru Ravidass Ji’s message went beyond caste, religion and social status.
“Guru Ji Maharaj’s teachings transcended the barriers of caste, creed and social status and emphasised the inherent dignity and equality of every human being,” he said.
Cheema said Guru Ravidass Ji envisioned a society based on equality, justice, compassion and mutual respect, where discrimination had no place and everyone had equal opportunities.
He also highlighted the Punjab government’s plan to establish a Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Bani Adhyayan Centre at Faridpura Naugaza in Dera Ballan.
According to Cheema, the state government will spend ₹25 crore on the centre, apart from about ₹11 crore spent on acquiring land.
He said the proposed centre would provide a platform for research, study and wider dissemination of Guru Ravidass Ji’s teachings.
Cheema referred to Guru Ravidass Ji’s concept of ‘Begampura’, describing it as a vision of a society free from discrimination, exploitation and inequality.
He said the principles reflected in the Guru’s Bani could help build a more just and peaceful society.
The minister also urged students and scholars to study Guru Ravidass Ji’s teachings and examine their relevance to contemporary social issues.
“Academic institutions have a significant role to play in promoting research, dialogue and intellectual engagement with the teachings and philosophy of great spiritual personalities and social reformers,” he said.Cheema also spoke about freedom of expression and social equality, saying the curtailment of free speech was contrary to the values of liberty and human dignity associated with Guru Ravidass Ji’s teachings.
Calling for social harmony, he said India’s diversity of faiths, castes and cultures should not become a source of division.
He urged young people to draw inspiration from Guru Ravidass Ji’s universal message and strengthen fraternity and equality.
The seminar included addresses by Prof Manjinder Singh, head of the Department of Punjabi at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, and Sant Kewal Singh Ji of Tap Asthan Sri Guru Ravidas Ji, Khuralgarh.Amity University Pro Vice-Chancellor Dr Puneet Sharma and Registrar Dr Dalip Kumar were also present. Dr Kumar delivered the vote of thanks.
The event was attended by Mohali SDM Damandeep Kaur, Deputy Director of Punjab’s Higher Education Department Dr Manish Sharma, faculty members and students.
Dr Kiran Deep
