Mann Government’s Initiatives to Make Guru Ravidas Ji’s 650th Prakash Purb Historic Highly Commendable: Sant Nirmal Das
Village-to-Village Drive to Spread Guru Ravidas Ji’s Message a Major Initiative by Punjab Government: Sant Gurdeep Giri
Under CM Bhagwant Mann’s Leadership, Preparations Begin for 650th Prakash Purb – Four Shobha Yatras from Kashi, Bathinda, Faridkot and Jammu, Drone Shows in 117 Constituencies, Documentary Screenings in 13,000 Villages: Deepak Bali
Chandigarh, March 14
A high-level meeting was held at the office of the Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board to celebrate the 650th Prakash Purab of Shiromani Sant Shri Guru Ravidas Ji in a historic and grand manner. This important meeting was presided over by revered saints from various deras, spiritual gurus, and scholars, in which representatives from different sections of society and General Secretary of the Aam Aadmi Party and Advisor to the Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board Deepak Bali also participated and shared their valuable suggestions.
Sant Nirmal Das Ji (Jode Wale), Sant Gurdeep Giri Ji (Pathankot Wale), Sant Mandeep Das Ji (Dera Ballan), Sant Pradeep Das Ji (Dera Kathar), Sant Kewal Ji (Tapsthan Shri Khuralgarh), Sant Inderdas Ji (Shekhe), scholar Shri Rajkumar Hans Ji, Soma Atri Ji, Bibi Santosh Kaur, and Parvinder Kaur Banga Ji were specially present at the meeting. Director of the Cultural Affairs Department Sanjeev Tiwari also attended the meeting and discussed various aspects related to the organization of the events.
On this occasion, Deepak Bali welcomed all the saints and guests and said that the 650th Prakash Purb of Guru Ravidas Ji is not only a religious event but also an important opportunity to spread the message of social harmony, equality, and humanity. He said the Punjab government is committed to celebrating this historic occasion with great devotion and grandeur, and extensive preparations have already begun for it.
Deepak Bali said that on the occasion of the Prakash Purb, four grand Shobha Yatras will be taken out, which will start from different places and pass through various cities and villages of Punjab. The first Shobha Yatra will start from Banaras, which is the birthplace of Guru Ravidas Ji. The second Shobha Yatra will start from Bathinda, the third from Faridkot, and the fourth from Jammu. Through these Shobha Yatras, efforts will be made to spread the messages and teachings of Guru Ravidas Ji to every section of society.
He said that a large number of devotees, representatives of the Sant community, social organizations, and various religious institutions will participate in these Shobha Yatras. Welcome programs will also be organized at various places along the route by devotees, and through devotional music and kirtan, the teachings of Guru Ravidas Ji will be propagated.
It was also decided in the meeting that on this special occasion a high-quality documentary based on the life of Guru Ravidas Ji, his social contributions, and his message of humanity will be screened in every village of Punjab. Through this documentary, the youth and future generations will be made aware of the thoughts of Guru Ravidas Ji and the reforms he brought in society.
Deepak Bali said that the Prakash Purb will also be made memorable through modern technology. Under this initiative, a grand 20-minute drone show will be organized in every Assembly constituency, in which important episodes from the life of Guru Ravidas Ji and his teachings will be presented through lights and technology.
He said that linking this historic occasion with environmental conservation, a large-scale tree plantation campaign will also be carried out in every district of Punjab. Under this initiative, a target has been set to plant 6.50 lakh saplings in each district so that along with the message of Guru Ravidas Ji, the message of nature conservation also reaches people.
In addition, to generate enthusiasm and social awareness among the youth, a special cycle marathon involving 650 cyclists will be organized in each district. This marathon will pass through various cities and towns and will create awareness among people about the teachings of Guru Ravidas Ji and the importance of equality in society.
The saints present in the meeting appreciated the efforts being made by the Punjab government. They said that Guru Ravidas Ji had given the message of equality, brotherhood, and humanity during his lifetime, and even today his thoughts remain equally relevant for society. The Sant community expressed confidence that all the programs being organized by the government will be highly successful and historic.
On this occasion, the saints also specially thanked Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. They said that the government allocating a budget of ₹100 crore for the celebration of the 650th Prakash Purb of Guru Ravidas Ji reflects respect and devotion towards the Sant community and devotees.