Chandigarh, October 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
More than 5.52 lakh students from nearly 4,500 schools across Punjab have participated in school-level competitions organised as part of the year-long celebrations marking the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj, Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond said on Wednesday.
The competitions, being held from May to October 2026, include quizzes, painting, essay writing and debates. The initiative aims to familiarise students with the life, teachings and philosophy of Guru Ravidass Ji and promote his message of equality, social harmony and justice among the younger generation.
Sharing the details, Sond said that 5,52,677 students had taken part in the competitions, reflecting the extensive reach of the initiative across the state.
He said various activities, including online and offline quizzes, painting competitions, essay-writing contests and debates, were being organised to encourage students to engage with the teachings of the revered saint. Students are also taking a pledge to uphold constitutional values and contribute towards building an egalitarian society.
The minister emphasised that the teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj remain highly relevant in contemporary society, particularly his message of equality, human dignity and freedom from social discrimination.
Through these activities, students are being encouraged to understand and adopt these universal values and contribute to building an inclusive and harmonious society, he said.
Sond added that the programme seeks to connect the younger generation with Punjab’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage while providing them with opportunities to express their understanding of Guru Ravidass Ji’s teachings through knowledge, creativity and constructive dialogue.
He said the Punjab Government was commemorating the 650th Parkash Purab through year-long programmes at various levels to ensure widespread public participation and take the revered Guru’s message to all sections of society.
The minister urged students and educational institutions to participate enthusiastically in the celebrations and draw inspiration from the teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj to uphold the values of equality, brotherhood and social justice.
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