The North News
Chandigarh, February 6
The Punjab government has formally launched a year-long programme to commemorate the 650th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji, signalling what Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann described as a renewed commitment to social equality inspired by the saint’s teachings.
The observances were inaugurated on Friday at Khuralgarh, traditionally regarded as Guru Ravidass Ji’s birthplace, with religious ceremonies including the Bhog of Sri Akhand Path Sahib, ardas, katha on the Guru’s life, and shabad kirtan by prominent raagi jathas. The celebrations will continue until 20 February 2027.
Addressing the state-level function, Mann announced a series of initiatives, including the expansion of the Sri Guru Ravidass Memorial at Khuralgarh and the establishment of a Sri Guru Ravidass Bani Research Centre at Faridpur. He said there would be no financial constraints on the scale or sanctity of the commemorations.
The chief minister said the year-long programme was not limited to religious remembrance but aimed to reflect Guru Ravidass Ji’s egalitarian philosophy in governance, particularly in education and healthcare. “Sri Guru Ravidass Ji envisioned a society free from discrimination. It is our collective duty to spread his message across the world,” he said.
Mann described himself as a “humble participant” in the congregation and assured devotees that the state would celebrate the upcoming 650th Parkash Purb “in an unsurpassed manner”. He recalled recent commemorations of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur and said similar efforts were planned for Guru Ravidass Ji.
Highlighting academic initiatives, the chief minister said chairs dedicated to Sri Guru Ravidass Ji had been established at Panjab University and Guru Nanak Dev University to promote research into his life and philosophy.
Reiterating his government’s focus on social justice, Mann said policies aimed at uplifting marginalised communities were in keeping with Guru Ravidass Ji’s teachings. He also linked the government’s education reforms, including the Schools of Eminence, to the ideas of B R Ambedkar on empowerment through education.
The chief minister urged devotees to pray for peace and prosperity in Punjab and said healthcare initiatives such as the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna — which offers cashless treatment of up to ₹10 lakh per family — reflected the government’s commitment to welfare.
Concluding his address, Mann called on people to follow the path shown by Sri Guru Ravidass Ji, describing his bani as “a lighthouse for humanity” in addressing contemporary social challenges.
