CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Cabinet Sub-Committee chaired by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Friday held its second meeting to finalise an extensive, year-long roadmap for commemorating the 650th Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji, with a clear resolve to elevate the celebrations to a global scale and carry the Guru’s message of equality, humanity and devotion to every corner of the state and beyond.
During the meeting, Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, Cabinet Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh, Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond, Advisor to the Tourism Department Deepak Bali and special invitee Pawan Tinu held detailed deliberations on the month-wise organisation of programmes, ensuring a balanced blend of spiritual reverence, educational outreach and social welfare initiatives.
Highlighting the spiritual dimension of the celebrations, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “Our goal is to celebrate this historic occasion on a scale that reflects the profound impact of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji’s teachings on society. We are committed to ensuring that every citizen, especially our youth, connects with the message of ‘Begampura’—a society free from sorrow and discrimination.”
The committee decided to organise four major Shobha Yatras originating from Varanasi, Faridkot, Jammu and Bathinda, which will converge at Sri Khuralgarh Sahib, the revered tap asthan of Guru ji. It was also resolved to facilitate a Tirath Yatra for pilgrims from different parts of Punjab to visit the Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Janam Sathan Mandir at Seer Govardanpur, Varanasi, enabling devotees to pay obeisance at the sacred birthplace.
To ensure that Guru Ji’s philosophy reaches the younger generation in a meaningful manner, the sub-committee approved seminars on the life and teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji in schools, colleges and universities across the state. The roadmap also includes innovative outreach through drone shows in every district and the screening of documentary films in villages, using modern technology and visual media to strengthen awareness and engagement.
Reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability and social service, the committee discussed launching a massive plantation drive involving 6.5 lakh saplings per district dedicated to the 650th anniversary. Statewide blood donation camps, marathons, cycle rallies and grand Kirtan Samagams will also be organised to promote community bonding and physical well-being as part of the year-long commemorations.
Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Punjab and Secretary Tourism Kumar Amit, Director Tourism Sanjeev Tiwari, and Deputy Director Tourism Yashpal Sharma were also present in the meeting.
