Yatra is a nationwide campaign to promote social harmony, equality and national unity, says Nayab Singh Saini
Chandigarh: Reaffirming the Haryana Government’s commitment to social harmony and inclusive development, Haryana Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday flagged off the Sacred Kalash Yatra of Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas Ji Maharaj for all 27 organisational districts of the State from Gurugram. He said the yatra, launched from Shri Guru Ravidas Janmasthan, Seer Govardhanpur, Varanasi, to commemorate the 650th birth anniversary of the revered saint, is not merely a religious procession but a nationwide movement dedicated to spreading the message of social harmony, equality and national unity. He said Haryana would participate in the campaign with complete devotion, active public participation and collective commitment.
Addressing a grand function as the Chief Guest in Gurugram, the Chief Minister formally flagged off the Sacred Kalash Yatra for all 27 organisational districts of Haryana. Before the ceremony, he offered prayers at Sheetla Mata Temple. He also reverentially carried the sacred kalash, which had been placed in the temple premises after its arrival in Gurugram on July 30, to the flag-off venue before handing it over to representatives of all 27 districts. On the occasion, he honoured members of the saint community by presenting them with shawls.
Development and Panchayats Minister, Krishan Lal Panwar, Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh, Cooperation Minister, Dr Arvind Sharma, Social Justice, Empowerment, Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes and Antyodaya (SEWA) Minister, Krishan Kumar Bedi, BJP State President, Archana Gupta, Mahamandaleshwar Swami Dharmdev, BJP Scheduled Caste Morcha State President, Sh. Satya Prakash Jrawta, along with MLAs and dignitaries from across the State also attended the programme.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the Sacred Kalash Yatra will travel across the country till February 20, 2027, carrying Sant Guru Ravidas Ji Maharaj’s timeless message of equality, justice and humanity to every section of society. He said that through Haryana’s 27 organisational districts, the sacred kalash will reach villages, towns and households across the State, strengthening the spirit of social harmony and fostering unity among people.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister announced a grant of Rs 31 lakh for Sant Ravidas Dharamshalas in Gurugram.
Guru Ravidas Ji’s Message Remains Equally Relevant Today
The Chief Minister said Sant Guru Ravidas Ji taught that a person’s identity is determined not by caste or birth but by character and deeds. Referring to the sacred soil brought from Varanasi, he said it symbolises the universal truth that soil has no caste, religion or social distinction. He said Guru Ravidas Ji envisioned a society free from discrimination, where everyone enjoys equal opportunities, no one sleeps hungry and every individual lives with dignity and without fear.
He emphasised that the teachings of Sant Guru Ravidas Ji are as relevant today as ever and urged people to translate the ideals of equality, service and social harmony into everyday life rather than limiting them to words.
Haryana Government Committed to Social Harmony and Social Justice
The Chief Minister said the vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’ given by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi reflects the modern expression of Sant Guru Ravidas Ji’s philosophy of social harmony. He said the Haryana Government is implementing this vision through transparent governance by ensuring merit-based government recruitment and by effectively delivering welfare programmes related to education, healthcare, social justice and the welfare of the poor.
Calling upon social and religious organisations, district presidents and devotees, the Chief Minister urged them to transform the Sacred Kalash Yatra into a mass public movement and carry Sant Guru Ravidas Ji’s message of equality, service, social harmony and humanity to every household in the State.
Sant Guru Ravidas Ji’s Teachings Inspire Humanity, Social Harmony and Selfless Service- Krishan Lal Panwar
Haryana Development and Panchayats Minister, Krishan Lal Panwar said that the life and teachings of Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas Ji symbolise humanity, equality, selfless service and social harmony. He said Guru Ravidas Ji strongly opposed social evils such as caste discrimination, untouchability and inequality, while advocating equal dignity and rights for every individual.
He added that through his teachings, Guru Ravidas Ji inspired people to embrace love, compassion, truth, hard work and selfless service, emphasising that true devotion to God lies in righteous conduct, service to humanity and public welfare. He urged people to follow the path shown by the revered saint to strengthen brotherhood, communal harmony and social unity, and contribute towards building a developed and inclusive India.
Guru Ravidas Ji’s Message of Social Harmony Will Reach Every Village- Archana Gupta
BJP State President Smt. Archana Gupta said that on the occasion of the 650th birth anniversary of Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas Ji, the Bharatiya Janata Party has launched a nationwide campaign to promote social harmony. As part of the initiative, sacred kalash containing holy soil from Guru Ravidas Ji’s birthplace in Varanasi will be taken to all 27 organisational districts of Haryana, where they will be accorded a grand welcome before being installed in temples to spread the message of harmony, brotherhood and social cohesion across villages.
She said Sant Guru Ravidas Ji belonged not to any particular community but to the entire humanity. She further informed that a Samajik Samrasta Yatra will also be taken out from Jalandhar to Varanasi, which will receive a grand welcome in Haryana. She called upon saints, youth, students and people from all sections of society to actively participate in the campaign and help carry Guru Ravidas Ji’s message of equality, brotherhood and social harmony to every corner of the country.
BJP State Vice-President, Banto Kataria, former MP and State Vice-President, Sunita Duggal, Gurugram Mayor Raj Rani Malhotra, Manesar Mayor, Dr Inderjeet Yadav, former Ministers Banwari Lal and Jagdish Nayyar, along with several other dignitaries, also attended the meeting.
