Chandigarh, Feb 7 (NationPress) The teachings of Guru Ravidas serve not only as a source of spiritual inspiration but also illuminate the way to establish an ideal society, asserted Punjab BJP working President Ashwani Sharma on Saturday.

During a program hosted by the Scheduled Caste (SC) Morcha Punjab in Chandigarh, which commemorated the 649th birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas, a revered 15th-century saint, poet, and social reformer, he emphasized the relevance of these teachings.

In the presence of SC Morcha BJP State President S.R. Laddhar, Sharma pointed out that given the current circumstances in Punjab, particularly concerning law and order and the social fabric, the term 'Begumpura' (denoting a place devoid of pain) stands out as particularly significant.

He remarked, "When we assess the current state of Punjab under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's leadership, we see a deteriorating law-and-order situation, a rise in drug addiction among the youth, and an atmosphere of insecurity for the common citizen. During such times, the profound messages of Guru Ravidas resonate strongly."

Sharma expressed that Guru-ji envisioned "a society free from fear and forced extortion. Yet, today in Punjab, many traders live in fear of extortion, and parents are anxious about their children's safety."

He concluded that the remedy for the increasing social divide in Punjab lies within Guru-ji's principle of equality.

Sharma stated, "If an ordinary citizen cannot safely walk the streets at night, we are still far from realizing the essence of 'Begumpura', emphasizing the need to embrace Guru Ravidas's teachings."

In another significant move, the Punjab government has officially initiated year-long celebrations for the 650th Guru Purab, outlining a comprehensive array of religious, cultural, and academic events that will take place statewide until February 20, 2027.

Chief Minister Mann commenced the celebrations with announcements of ongoing congregations, Sant Sammelans, ‘katha-kirtan’ events, conventions, and university-level seminars, while also unveiling substantial infrastructure plans, including the expansion of the Sri Guru Ravidas Memorial at Khuralgarh and the establishment of a Sri Guru Ravidas Bani Research Centre near Dera Ballan in Jalandhar.

Reiterating that budget constraints would not hinder the observances, the Chief Minister assured the full implementation of all directives from the Sant Samaj, aligning the year-long religious program within the broader governance framework of the AAP government, which prioritizes educational reform, enhanced public healthcare with cashless treatment up to Rs 10 lakh, and policy decisions focused on public welfare.