Known as the sacred land of Gurus, saints, sages, and heroes, Punjab has long been a centre of spirituality, culture, and social reform. The teachings of the ten Sikh Gurus and the message of Sri Guru Granth Sahib have illuminated this land with ideals of equality, service, and compassion.
Punjab’s Bhakti tradition was never limited to ritual worship alone; it consistently challenged social hierarchies and questioned divisions of caste, power, and religion. In this historical context, the recent celebration of the birth anniversary of Jagat Guru Sri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Ji became more than a religious event.
It also became a moment where faith and public life appeared together on the same stage. The scene that unfolded on this occasion transcended formal protocol, caught the nation’s attention and gave a new direction to public discourse.
Devotion and respect: When PM Modi touched the feet of a saint
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival at Dera Sachkhand Ballan and touching the feet of Dera chief Sant Niranjan Das ji present there was a moment that gave new meaning to the relationship between power and saint tradition. This was not a formal act, but an expression of deep devotion. The special thing was that Sant Niranjan Das ji has recently been honoured with “Padma Shri” for his valuable contribution towards the society.
When the Prime Minister held the saint’s hand and supported him while coming down from the stage, that scene went viral on social media. When the security personnel or servicemen wanted to move forward, the PM’s words were – “We will do it ourselves, won’t that be enough?” It was a unique example of simplicity and human connection.
Dera Sachkhand Ballon: Bastion of faith and social consciousness
Located about 18 km from Jalandhar, (Dera Sachkhand Ballan) is the largest and most influential religious center of the Ravidasia community. This camp is not limited to only religious activities, but is a strong center of social organization, cultural identity and community bonding. This visit of the Prime Minister made it clear that the spiritual and social role of the Ravidasia community now holds an important place at the national level.
Adampur Airport and eternal memory of Guru Ravidas Ji
During this visit, a big decision was taken which won the hearts of Punjabis. While inaugurating Adampur Airport in Jalandhar, the Prime Minister announced that it will be renamed as “Sri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Ji Airport”. This was not just a change of name, but an attempt to give Guruji’s teachings an everlasting place in the public consciousness. Modi ji said in his address that this decision has been taken in honor of the great saint who preached equality, kindness and human dignity.
From Bhakti Movement to Social Reform: The Philosophy of Guru Ravidas Ji
Saint Guru Ravidas Ji (also known as Bhagat Ravidas or Raidas Ji) was a revolutionary saint of the 15th-16th century who used devotion as a weapon for social equality. At a time when caste and class discrimination had gripped the society, Guru Ji declared that the path to God is determined not by birth, but by deeds and devotion.
“There should be food from the same plate for all” – this line was not only symbolic but a direct demand for social equality. His teachings are equally relevant even today because they are not limited to any particular class or time. This is why considering the vastness of his writings, his sacred words have also been included in the highest scripture of Sikhism, “Sri Guru Granth Sahib”.
Historical context and relation with Kashi
There are different views among historians regarding the year of birth of Guruji, but most of the scholars consider Magh Purnima of 1377 or 1399 AD as his birth anniversary. He was born on the land of Varanasi (Kashi). Kashi was a center of scholarship even at that time, but social divisions were also deep there.
PM Narendra Modi, who is the Member of Parliament from Varanasi, made special mention of this. He said that Kashi is the birthplace of Guru Ravidas Ji and he feels fortunate to be its representative. This statement reflects a cultural affinity that connects social reformers of the past and democrats of the present.
Dera Sachkhand Ballan’s Social Service
In his speech, the Prime Minister also praised the social work being done by Dera Sachkhand Balls. This camp has been at the forefront of education, health and service to the poor. Under the leadership of Sant Niranjan Das Ji, the Dera not only propagated spiritual virtues but also made great efforts to strengthen the Ravidassia community educationally and economically. The “Padma Shri” award he received on January 25 is a recognition of this selfless service.
A Picture of a New India
These developments go beyond routine political events. This is a glimpse of a changing India where spiritual traditions and social equality are becoming a reality. The Prime Minister’s statement that “We take inspiration from Guru Ravidas Ji” is not just a tribute, but a pledge to adopt an ideology that considers human dignity and equality as the basis of development.
When we talk about “Developed India”, the teachings of Guru Ravidas ji remind us that real development is one in which even the person at the back of the society gets the right to dignity and equality. The legacy of Guru Ravidas ji is still a shining light for us, which gives us the message of renouncing hatred and walking on the path of love and partnership.
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