SAS Nagar, August 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday said the Bani of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj carries a timeless message of equality, human dignity, social justice and universal brotherhood, with its teachings remaining highly relevant to contemporary society.
Addressing a state-level seminar on ‘Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj Bani and Social Equality’ at Amity University, Mohali, Cheema said Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj’s teachings transcended barriers of caste, creed and social status and emphasised the inherent dignity and equality of every individual.
He said Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj envisioned a society founded on equality, justice, compassion and mutual respect, urging people to reject discrimination and work towards an inclusive social order offering equal opportunities and dignity to all.
Highlighting a recent initiative of the Bhagwant Mann government, Cheema said a state-of-the-art Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Bani Adhyayan Centre would be established at Faridpura Naugaza in Dera Ballan at a cost of ₹25 crore. He said around ₹11 crore had additionally been incurred for procurement of land for the centre, which would serve as a hub for research, study and dissemination of Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj’s teachings.
Cheema said principles such as freedom of expression, equality and non-discrimination, which gained institutional recognition in several Western countries from the 19th century onwards, were reflected in the teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj and other great saints nearly 650 years ago.
He said Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj’s egalitarian vision was far ahead of its time and continued to offer guidance for building a society based on dignity and equality.
Referring to the contemporary political environment, Cheema alleged that freedom of speech was being curtailed by political forces in power at the national level. He said such restrictions were contrary to the values of equality, liberty and human dignity propagated by Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj.
Calling for social harmony, Cheema said India’s diversity of faiths, castes, communities, cultures and traditions could not be allowed to become a source of division. He urged people, particularly the younger generation, to draw inspiration from Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj’s teachings and strengthen fraternity and social equality.
Elaborating on the concept of ‘Begampura’, Cheema said it represented an ideal social order free from discrimination, exploitation and inequality. He said the principles contained in Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj’s Bani could serve as a guiding force in creating a just, peaceful and harmonious society.
Cheema also urged students and scholars to study the Bani deeply and explore its contemporary relevance. He said educational institutions had an important role in promoting research, dialogue and intellectual engagement with the teachings and philosophy of spiritual personalities and social reformers.
The seminar featured 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. They highlighted the continuing relevance of Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj’s ideals in addressing discrimination and promoting social equality.
Dr Puneet Sharma, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Amity University, Mohali, and Dr Dalip Kumar, Registrar, Amity University, Mohali, were also present on the occasion. Dr Dalip Kumar delivered the vote of thanks.
The event was attended by Damandeep Kaur, SDM Mohali; Dr Manish Sharma, Deputy Director, Department of Higher Education, Punjab; faculty members and students of Amity University, besides government officials and other participants.
FOLLOW NOW
