Jalandhar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Dera Sachkhand Ballan in Punjab’s Jalandhar district on Sunday to participate in the 649th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Ravidas. This marked his first visit to the state since September last year. Elaborate security arrangements were put in place for the event, with around 8,000 police personnel drawn from 26 districts deployed to ensure tight security at the venue.
Earlier in the day, Modi also inaugurated the new terminal building of Halwara Airport through video conferencing, underscoring the Centre’s focus on strengthening aviation infrastructure in Punjab.
During the programme, the Prime Minister unveiled a plaque announcing the renaming of Adampur Airport after Guru Ravidas. As Modi pressed the remote button to formalise the renaming, the congregation erupted in applause and chants. The airport will now be known as Sri Guru Ravidas Ji Airport, Adampur.
This is the Prime Minister’s third visit to Punjab since January 5, 2022, when his planned trip was cut short following a major security lapse. He later visited the Adampur Air Base in May 2025 in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor and travelled to Gurdaspur in September the same year to assess flood-hit areas.
The visit and announcements were seen as significant gestures towards honouring the legacy of Guru Ravidas and strengthening the Centre’s engagement with Punjab.
