CM Samrat Choudhary Marks Guru Ravidas's 650th Jayanti
Synopsis
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary marked the 650th birth anniversary of Bhakti saint Guru Ravidas on 7 August 2026, calling for the dismantling of discrimination and the building of a united, inclusive society through collective cooperation.
Key Takeaways
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary posted a tribute to Guru Ravidas on his 650th birth anniversary on 7 August 2026 .
Guru Ravidas was a 14th–15th century Bhakti movement saint from Uttar Pradesh , revered for preaching equality and rejecting caste discrimination.
Choudhary urged citizens to 'erase every wall of discrimination' and build a 'united, harmonious and empowered society.' His message emphasised that society is built through the cooperation and participation of all , not any single class.
The tribute carries significance in Bihar , where Dalit communities form a major social and electoral constituency.
On the 650th birth anniversary of Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary called on citizens to dissolve every wall of discrimination and build a united, harmonious, and empowered society — a message that lands with particular weight in a state where caste fault-lines have long shaped public life.
Posting in Hindi on Friday, 7 August 2026, the Chief Minister wrote: 'Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas ji ne apne jeevan aur vichaaron se samrasta, samanta, seva aur manavta ka sandesh diya' — 'Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas gave the message of harmony, equality, service and humanity through his life and thoughts.' He added that the saint's life teaches us that society is built not by any single class, but through the cooperation and participation of all.
Who Was Guru Ravidas — and Why His 650th Jayanti Matters
Guru Ravidas was a 14th–15th century Bhakti movement saint and poet from Uttar Pradesh who preached devotion to God, the rejection of caste hierarchy, and the inherent dignity of every human being. His compositions were included in the Guru Granth Sahib and his verses remain living scripture for millions of Dalit communities across north India, including a significant population in Bihar. Revered as 'Sant Shiromani' — the crown jewel of saints — he stands as one of the Bhakti era's most radical voices for social equality.Choudhary's Call for a Casteless Compact
The Chief Minister's appeal — to mark the Jayanti by pledging to erase discrimination and build collective strength — is both a spiritual tribute and a social one. His framing, that society is constructed through 'sabke sahyog aur sahbhagita' ('the cooperation and participation of all'), echoes the inclusive-development language that the BJP has consistently deployed in Bihar, a state where mobilising across caste lines remains an enduring political and governance challenge. No new scheme or administrative announcement accompanied the post. For Dalit communities in Bihar and across north India, the Jayanti is not a ceremonial footnote — it is a day of collective identity, pride, and aspiration. Political acknowledgement of Guru Ravidas by senior leaders carries symbolic currency that extends well beyond a social-media post. The anniversary is a reminder that the Bhakti saints' centuries-old demand for a society without hierarchy is still, in 2026, unfinished business — and that Bihar's leaders know it.Point of View
Where Dalit voter consolidation is fiercely contested. The 650th anniversary gives the gesture added weight, elevating it above routine ritual. By framing Guru Ravidas's legacy as a call for collective participation rather than identity-group assertion, Choudhary positions the ruling party as a broad-tent force — a message calibrated as much for electoral arithmetic as for social cohesion.
NationPress
7 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Guru Ravidas and why is he significant?
Guru Ravidas was a 14th–15th century Bhakti movement saint and poet from Uttar Pradesh who championed equality, devotion, and the rejection of caste hierarchy. His compositions were included in the Guru Granth Sahib and he is deeply revered by Dalit communities across north India.
What did Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary say on Guru Ravidas Jayanti 2026?
CM Choudhary called on citizens to erase every wall of discrimination and pledge to build a united, harmonious, and empowered society, saying society is built through the cooperation and participation of all, not any single class.
What is the 650th Jayanti of Guru Ravidas?
The 650th Jayanti marks 650 years since the birth of Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas. In 2026, political and social organisations across India observed the anniversary with tributes, cultural programmes, and calls for social equality.
Why do Indian politicians mark Guru Ravidas Jayanti?
Guru Ravidas is revered by millions of Dalit and marginalised communities, particularly in north India. Marking his Jayanti allows leaders to signal commitment to social equality and connect with a significant voter base.
What is Samrat Choudhary's role in Bihar politics?
Samrat Choudhary is the Chief Minister of Bihar and a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), making him the state's top elected executive official.
