Baba Gurinder Singh Dhillon, the head of Dera Radha Soami Beas, met Punjab Cabinet Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian during his visit to Ludhiana on Wednesday.

The Dera chief was in the city to visit the Radha Soami Satsang Ghar in village Mundian Kalan. Following the visit, he proceeded to the residence of Minister Mundian, who represents the Sahnewal Assembly constituency in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha.

Meeting at Minister’s Residence

According to sources, the meeting was held at the minister’s invitation. Baba Gurinder Singh Dhillon reportedly spent around 15 to 20 minutes with the minister and his family.

Neither the Dera head nor the minister addressed the media after the interaction. No official photographs of the meeting were released.

Policy on Public Photographs

The absence of photographs aligns with a recent decision by the Dera not to publicly share images of political leaders or other personalities visiting or meeting the spiritual head. The move is understood to be part of an internal protocol adopted by the Dera.

Warm Reception from Followers

During his visit, Baba Gurinder Singh Dhillon travelled in his black Mercedes vehicle and was greeted by followers who gathered along the route to catch a glimpse of their spiritual leader.

Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian is known to be a follower of Dera Radha Soami Beas and has previously expressed deep respect for Baba Gurinder Singh Dhillon.

The meeting, though brief, drew attention due to the stature of both personalities in their respective spheres.

Dera Radha Soami Beas and Its Influence in Punjab

Origins and Philosophy

Dera Radha Soami Beas, headquartered in Beas, Punjab, is one of the most prominent spiritual organizations in India. Founded in 1891 by Baba Jaimal Singh, the Dera follows the Radha Soami faith, which emphasizes meditation (Surat Shabd Yoga), ethical living, vegetarianism, and spiritual discipline.

The organization operates under the leadership of a living spiritual master. Baba Gurinder Singh Dhillon has been the head of Dera Radha Soami Beas since 1990.

Global Presence

Over the decades, the Dera has expanded significantly beyond Punjab. It has centers across India and in several countries worldwide, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Its international gatherings attract thousands of devotees.

The Beas headquarters itself is known for hosting massive congregations, drawing followers from diverse social, economic, and professional backgrounds.

Social and Community Impact

Dera Radha Soami Beas is widely respected for its emphasis on:

• Community service
• Simplicity in lifestyle
• Abstinence from intoxicants
• Moral discipline

The organization has been associated with large-scale voluntary service (seva), especially during religious gatherings, where followers contribute to logistical arrangements, cleanliness drives, and community kitchens.

Influence in Punjab

In Punjab, deras have historically played a crucial social role, particularly among rural populations. While Dera Radha Soami Beas avoids political endorsements, its moral authority and widespread following mean that political leaders often maintain respectful engagement with its leadership.

Unlike some other religious sects in the region that have openly backed political parties in the past, Dera Radha Soami Beas maintains a policy of non-interference in electoral politics.