Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the 647th Birth Anniversary of Sant Guru Ravidas in Varanasi today, unveiling the newly installed statue of the revered saint at the Sant Guru Ravidas Janmasthali temple.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated development projects worth Rs 32 crores around Sant Ravidas Janmasthali and laid the foundation stone for the Sant Ravidas Museum and park beautification, valued at approximately Rs 62 crores.
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In his address at the event, Prime Minister Modi extended a warm welcome to the attendees and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve Sant Ravidas’s followers. He praised the spirit of devotees, particularly those from Punjab, transforming Kashi into a mini Punjab.
“I extend my warm greetings to all fellow citizens on the auspicious occasion of the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidasji,” stated the Prime Minister. “The participation of devotees from around the country, especially those from Punjab, reflects the essence of unity and devotion. Kashi has taken on the vibrancy of a mini Punjab, and I am grateful for the spirit of those who have come here to celebrate.”
Highlighting the government’s initiatives for the development of Sant Ravidas Janmasthali, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of preserving the saint’s teachings and legacy. He underscored the significance of schemes aimed at upgrading the temple area, constructing approach roads, and facilitating worship arrangements.
“Sant Ravidas’s teachings always guided me, and I express gratitude to be in a position to serve his ideals,” said Prime Minister Modi. “Today, as the representative of Kashi, I have the opportunity to contribute to the development of Sant Ravidas Janmasthali and honor the great saint.”
Drawing parallels between the teachings of Sant Ravidas and social reformer Gadge Baba, whose birth anniversary coincides with the occasion, Prime Minister Modi acknowledged their contributions towards the upliftment of the deprived and poor. He highlighted the influence of Gadge Baba on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, emphasizing their shared commitment to social welfare.
“Sant Ravidas’s teachings cannot be tied to the ideologies of opinion and religion. Ravidas ji belongs to everyone and everyone belongs to Ravidas ji,” remarked Prime Minister Modi. “His teachings, rooted in equality and social cohesiveness, continue to inspire us. In the Azadi Ka Amrit Kaal, we must strengthen the foundation of Viksit Bharat in the next five years.” Reflecting on the government’s inclusive initiatives, Prime Minister Modi cited examples of welfare schemes benefitting the underprivileged. “Such a scheme at this scale is not there in any country of the world,” he said, referring to free ration for 80 crore Indians and the Swachh Bharat Mission’s impact on Dalits, backward classes, and SC/ST/OBC women.
“The intentions of the government towards the upliftment of Dalits, the deprived, and the poor are clear, and it is the reason behind India’s progress in the world today,” affirmed Prime Minister Modi. Quoting Sant Ravidas, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of selfless work and cautioned against divisive forces. “We have to avoid the negative mentality of casteism and follow the positive teachings of Ravidas ji,” he urged.
The commemoration of Sant Guru Ravidas’s birth anniversary in Varanasi, marked by inaugurations and insightful reflections by Prime Minister Modi, reflects the government’s commitment to preserving the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of revered saints. The event was attended by Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, and Chairman of Sant Guru Ravidas Janmsthan Temple Trust, Sant Niranjan Dass, among other dignitaries.
