Hoshiarpur

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday said that the life, philosophy and teachings of Guru Ravidas continue to serve as a guiding force for humanity even today.

The chief minister paid obeisance at Sri Khuralgarh Sahib in Hoshiarpur district and participated in the state-level celebrations of the 649th Parkash Purb of Guru Ravidas. Sri Khuralgarh Sahib is revered as the tap asthan of the saint-poet.

Addressing the gathering, Mann urged people to draw inspiration from Guru Ravidas’s teachings and follow the path shown by him to eradicate social evils. He said the Guru had envisioned an egalitarian society free from discrimination, injustice and deprivation.

“The life and philosophy of Guru Ravidas continue to guide humanity and inspire efforts towards social harmony,” the chief minister said.

Highlighting the state government’s efforts to preserve and promote the Guru’s legacy, Mann said a Guru Ravidas Memorial has been completed at Khuralgarh Sahib at a cost of Rs 144 crore, spread across nearly 12 acres. He added that drinking water facilities, including a tubewell and a 50,000-litre water tank, have also been installed at the site at a cost of Rs 80.64 lakh.

The chief minister further said the government has purchased about 11 acres of land worth Rs 9 crore near Dera Ballan to establish a centre dedicated to the study of Guru Ravidas’s bani.

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Mann also announced that preparations are underway for year-long global celebrations to mark the 650th birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas on February 20, 2027. The programme will include seminars, conferences, katha and kirtan events across Punjab, including in universities.