Chandigarh/Amritsar, 12 May, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
As part of a series of programs planned by the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to celebrate the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji on a grand scale, a special seminar dedicated to the teachings and philosophy of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji was organised today at Guru Nanak Dev University.
Addressing the seminar, Punjab Finance, Planning, Taxation, Excise and Transport Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “The youth must come forward to build India into the ‘Begampura’ envisioned by Sri Guru Ravidass Ji. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is functioning according to the principles of equality preached by Sri Guru Ravidass Ji.”
Harpal Singh Cheema informed, “While the Punjab Government is expanding the Sri Guru Ravidass Memorial at Khuralgarh, it is also establishing the Sri Guru Ravidass Bani Study Centre at Faridpur village and the work on the project will commence very soon.”
Speaking about the teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji, the Finance Minister stated, “Although constitutions across the world, including that of India, speak of equality and justice, Sri Guru Ravidass Ji conveyed these ideals to humanity through spiritual teachings nearly 650 years ago and presented the world with the concept of ‘Begampura.’ Even today, there is a need to follow the principles of equality and social justice preached by Sri Guru Ravidass Ji and eliminate discrimination from society.”
Highlighting the centenary celebrations, he added, “It is a matter of pride that Punjab is celebrating the centenary events of its revered Gurus. During the 649th birth anniversary celebrations of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji at Khuralgarh, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann had announced year-long programmes to celebrate the 650th Parkash Purab on a grand scale and spread the message of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji across the world.”
Harpal Singh Cheema emphasised, “The objective of organising such seminars is to create a spiritual atmosphere in universities and educational institutions and connect students with the social reformist message of Guru Ravidass Ji.”
Participating in the discussion on the teachings and philosophy of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji, Sant Gurdeep Giri said, “Forty hymns and one ‘salok’ of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji are enshrined in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Guru Ravidass Ji gave immense importance to love and devotion in his teachings and worked against social inequality and caste discrimination.”
Urging the younger generation to follow the Guru’s teachings, Sant Gurdeep Giri Ji stated, “The youth must rise above casteism and social divisions and follow the path shown by Sri Guru Ravidass Ji.”
Cabinet Minister Shri Lal Chand Kataruchak said, “Everyone should adopt in their practical lives the principles of equality and equal opportunity preached by Sri Guru Ravidass Ji 650 years ago. The efforts being made by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and the Punjab Government to spread the message of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji across the globe are commendable.”
He further added, “Such seminars and discussions will help answer the questions arising in the minds of young students regarding economic inequality, discrimination and social injustice. The roots of discrimination and inequality, against which Sri Guru Ravidass Ji raised his voice 650 years ago, still persist in society and the youth must follow the teachings of Guru Sahib to establish social equality.”
Delivering the keynote address, Head of the Punjabi Department at Guru Nanak Dev University Prof. Manjinder Singh said, “Guru Ravidass Ji uplifted even the most marginalised sections of society and instilled self confidence among the people through his teachings.”
Prof. Manjinder Singh asserted, “Following the philosophy of Guru Ravidass Ji can become a major contribution to global political thought. Political scholars should study the concept of ‘Begampura’ and include it in political science discourse worldwide. The spiritual wisdom contained in the Upanishads and Indian philosophy was explained by Guru Ravidass Ji in the language of common people.”
Earlier, Vice Chancellor Prof. Karamjeet Singh welcomed Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and other distinguished guests. Addressing the seminar, he said, “By adopting the teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji, society can eradicate hypocrisy and establish equality across the world.”
MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said, “Guru Ravidass Ji brought hope and dignity to the oppressed and marginalised sections of society who were considered ‘untouchables’ during that era.”
He added, “The revolutionary saint who preached equality, fought against social hypocrisy and embraced all humanity should not be confined to a single community. The ideology of Guru Ravidass Ji should be spread throughout the world.”
On the occasion, Tourism and Cultural Affairs Advisor Deepak Bali, while delivering the vote of thanks, informed, “The Punjab Government is celebrating the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji on a large scale. Documentary films will be screened in villages and wards across the state, drone shows will be organised and grand processions will also be taken out.”
During the event, Deputy Commissioner Shri Dalwinderjit Singh, Police Commissioner Shri Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, Vice Chairman of Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation Shri Jaskaran Singh Bandesha, District Planning Committee Chairman Gurpratap Singh Sandhu, SDM Amritsar-2 S. Gurmander Singh, Prof. Ravinder Raju, Prof. Baljeet Kaur Riyad, AAP Majha Media Incharge Advocate Arvinder Singh Bhatti, along with a large number of students and teachers, were also present. At the conclusion of the programme, the distinguished guests were specially honoured.
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