Hoshiarpur

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday said the life, philosophy and teachings of Guru Ravidas continue to guide humanity and inspire efforts to eradicate social discrimination.

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

Addressing the gathering, the chief minister called upon people to follow the path shown by Guru Ravidas to eliminate social evils and build an egalitarian society.

“Guru Ravidas envisioned an ideal society free from discrimination and deprivation. The life and teachings of the great Guru continue to guide humanity towards building such a social order,” Mann said.

He announced that the Punjab government has planned year-long programmes ahead of the 650th birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas, to be observed globally on February 20, 2027.

Mann said the government will organise Sant Sammelans, conventions, katha-kirtan programmes, seminars and conferences across the state, including at universities, to spread the Guru’s message worldwide.

“The state government will leave no stone unturned to celebrate the upcoming 650th Parkash Purb in an unsurpassed manner. There will be no shortage of funds for the year-long congregations,” he said.

Highlighting steps to preserve the Guru’s legacy, Mann said research initiatives are being undertaken through Chairs established at Panjab University and Guru Nanak Dev University.

He said a memorial dedicated to Guru Ravidas has been constructed at Khuralgarh Sahib at a cost of nearly ₹148 crore. The memorial includes a sangat hall, auditorium, multi-level parking and drinking water facilities.

The chief minister further said the state government has purchased around 12 acres of land near Dera Ballan in Jalandhar district for setting up a Sri Guru Ravidas Vani Study and Research Centre, which will function as a hub for learning and propagation of the Guru’s bani.

Referring to welfare initiatives, Mann said education and healthcare remain the government’s top priorities. He highlighted the implementation of the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana across Punjab, which provides cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh per family.

He urged devotees to pray for peace, progress and prosperity of Punjab and reiterated the government’s commitment to the upliftment of weaker and underprivileged sections in accordance with the teachings of Guru Ravidas.

Senior AAP leader and Punjab in-charge Manish Sisodia, who was also present, said the state government is working to ensure equal rights and facilities for all through its welfare measures.

Sant Pradeep Das of Dera Ballan thanked the government for providing land for the Sri Guru Ravidas Ji Bani Adhyayan Kendra, while Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said a cabinet sub-committee has been constituted to oversee the year-long celebrations.