CHANDIGARH: Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema today said that the sacred Bani of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj carries a timeless message of equality, human dignity, social justice and universal brotherhood, which remains profoundly relevant in contemporary society.
Addressing a state-level seminar on ‘Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj Bani and Social Equality’ organised at Amity University, Mohali, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “Guru Ji Maharaj’s teachings transcended the barriers of caste, creed and social status and emphasised the inherent dignity and equality of every human being.”
Speaking about Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj vision of society, he said, “Sri Guru Ravidas Ji Maharaj envisioned a society based on equality, justice, compassion and mutual respect. His Bani inspires people to reject discrimination and work towards creating an inclusive society where every individual gets equal opportunities and respect.”
Highlighting the Bhagwant Mann Government’s recent initiative, he stated, “The Punjab Government, led by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, has recently initiated the setting up of a State-of-the-Art Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Bani Adhyayan Centre at Faridpura Naugaza in Dera Ballan. The centre would be established at a cost of ₹25 crore, apart from approximately ₹11 crore incurred on procurement of land, and would serve as an important centre for research, study and dissemination of the profound teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj.”
The egalitarian vision embodied in their teachings was far ahead of its time and continues to guide humanity towards a society based on dignity and equality.” Emphasising the relevance of Guru Ji Maharaj’s teachings today, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “The message of equality given by the great Guru Ji Maharaj remains especially significant in the present era.
I call upon the people, particularly the younger generation, to draw inspiration from the universal teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj and strengthen the bonds of social harmony and equality. The principles reflected in Guru Ji Maharaj’s Bani can serve as a guiding force in building a just, peaceful and harmonious society.”
Urging students and scholars to engage more deeply with Guru Ji Maharaj’s teachings, the Minister said, “Students and scholars should study Guru Ji Maharaj’s Bani deeply and understand its contemporary relevance. Academic institutions have a significant role to play in promoting research, dialogue and intellectual engagement with the teachings and philosophy of great spiritual personalities and social reformers.”
The occasion was also graced by Damandeep Kaur, SDM, Mohali, and Dr. Manish Sharma, Deputy Director, Department of Higher Education, Punjab, besides faculty members and students of Amity University.
