Govt Taking Forward Teachings and Ideals of Sant Ravidas ji: PM Modi

GG News Bureau
Varanasi, 23rd Feb. Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the 647th Birth Anniversary of Sant Guru Ravidas with significant inaugurations and tributes in Varanasi today. At the Sant Guru Ravidas Janmasthali temple in Seer Govardhanpur near BHU, the Prime Minister unveiled a newly installed statue of Sant Ravidas at the adjoining Ravidas Park.

Additionally, he inaugurated various development projects around Sant Ravidas Janmasthali, totaling approximately Rs 32 crores, and laid the foundation stone for the Sant Ravidas Museum and park beautification, valued at around Rs 62 crore.

Addressing the audience, PM Modi welcomed everyone to Sant Ravidas ji’s birthplace on this special occasion, acknowledging the presence of devotees from across the nation. He particularly appreciated the spirit of those arriving from Punjab, likening Kashi to a mini Punjab.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve Sant Ravidas ji’s followers and outlined schemes for the upliftment of Sant Ravidas Janmasthali, including temple area development, road construction, and worship arrangements.

Highlighting the birth anniversary of social reformer Gadge Baba, PM Modi underscored his contributions to the empowerment of the marginalized. He emphasized the influence of Gadge Baba’s work on Babasaheb Ambedkar and expressed his reverence on Gadge Baba’s birth anniversary.

Reflecting on Sant Ravidas’s teachings, PM Modi reiterated his commitment to serving Ravidas ji’s ideals, citing recent initiatives such as laying the foundation stone for the Sant Ravidas Memorial in Madhya Pradesh. He emphasized Sant Ravidas’s role in India’s Bhakti Movement, which fostered unity and social cohesion by challenging societal divisions.

PM Modi elaborated on Sant Ravidas’s principles of equality and inclusivity, highlighting government initiatives aimed at uplifting marginalized communities. He cited flagship welfare schemes such as free ration distribution, Swachh Bharat Mission, and Jal Jeevan Mission, emphasizing their impact on disadvantaged groups. Additionally, he noted increased financial inclusion and educational opportunities for Dalits under various government schemes.

Cautioning against divisive politics, PM Modi urged embracing Sant Ravidas’s teachings of selflessness and unity. He emphasized the importance of collective efforts in building a developed India and encouraged citizens to prioritize the nation’s interests over divisive ideologies.

The event saw the presence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Sant Niranjan Dass, Chairman of Sant Guru Ravidas Janmsthan Temple Trust, among others.