Sas Nagar : Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday said that the sacred Bani of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj carries a timeless message of equality, human dignity, social justice and universal brotherhood, which remains profoundly relevant in contemporary society.
Addressing a state-level seminar on ‘Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj Bani and Social Equality’ organised at Amity University, Mohali, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “Guru Ji Maharaj's teachings transcended the barriers of caste, creed and social status and emphasised the inherent dignity and equality of every human being.”
Speaking about Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj vision of society, he said, “Sri Guru Ravidas Ji Maharaj envisioned a society based on equality, justice, compassion and mutual respect. His Bani inspires people to reject discrimination and work towards creating an inclusive society where every individual gets equal opportunities and respect.”
Highlighting the Bhagwant Mann Government’s recent initiative, he stated, “The Punjab Government, led by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, has recently initiated the setting up of a State-of-the-Art Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Bani Adhyayan Centre at Faridpura Naugaza in Dera Ballan. The centre would be established at a cost of ₹25 crore, apart from approximately ₹11 crore incurred on procurement of land, and would serve as an important centre for research, study and dissemination of the profound teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj.”
Reflecting on the universal and progressive character of Guru Ji Maharaj's philosophy, the Minister emphasised, “Values such as freedom of expression, equality and non-discrimination, which began gaining institutional recognition in several Western countries from the 19th century onwards, were reflected in the teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj and other great ‘sants' nearly 650 years ago. The egalitarian vision embodied in their teachings was far ahead of its time and continues to guide humanity towards a society based on dignity and equality.”