JALANDHAR: A special state-level seminar marking the upcoming 650th birth anniversary of Shri Guru Ravidas Ji was organised at Sant Baba Bhag Singh University under the direction of the Punjab Government, bringing together Cabinet ministers, saints, academics, political representatives, faculty members and thousands of students.
Chief guest Punjab Cabinet Minister Dr Ravjot Singh said the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government considered it a privilege to organise grand celebrations to mark the 650th Parkash Purb of Guru Ravidas Ji. He said the state government had earmarked ₹100 crore for the centenary year.
Dr Ravjot Singh said the foundation stone of the Shri Guru Ravidas Bani Academic/Research Centre had been laid at Dera Sachkhand Ballan at a cost of ₹37 crore. He also highlighted the deployment of 50 mobile publicity vans to take Guru Ravidas Ji’s life and philosophy to around 13,000 villages across Punjab, along with a large-scale plantation drive.
Speaking at the seminar, Vice-Chancellor Prof Palwinder Singh said Guru Ravidas Ji’s teachings of equality, human dignity, hard work and service remained highly relevant in the era of artificial intelligence and rapid technological change. He urged students to focus on hard work, respect for humanity, strong character and a spirit of service.
Prof Singh also urged the Punjab Government to establish a dedicated research centre at or near the university to preserve and disseminate the teachings of Guru Ravidas Ji for future generations.
Chief speaker Prof Harbans Singh Bolina highlighted the historical significance of major Sikh centenary commemorations held between 1966 and 2026. He also elaborated on Guru Ravidas Ji’s concept of ‘Begampura’, noting that his Bani preserved in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji continues to convey a powerful message of social equality and dignity.
Sant Nirmal Das Ji described the university as a beacon of knowledge and urged students to regard education, concentration and hard work as their strongest companions during difficult times. Sant Pradeep Das Ji said education was essential for both the spiritual and social advancement of society.
Sister Santosh Kumari linked Guru Ravidas Ji’s vision of ‘Begampura’ with the principles of the Indian Constitution, particularly the rejection of social discrimination and inequality. She also urged the government to address infrastructure requirements, including roads, bridges and basic facilities in the area.
The university management honoured the visiting ministers, saints and other dignitaries during the programme. Registrar Rajinder Kumar extended a vote of thanks to the chief guest, Chancellor Sant Manmohan Singh Ji, participating saints, Prof Harbans Singh Bolina, faculty members and students.
