Chandigarh, Feb 6 (NationPress) In a significant demonstration of its dedication to the legacy of Guru Ravidass, the Punjab government has officially initiated year-long festivities for the 650th Guru Purb, outlining a comprehensive array of religious, cultural, and academic programs to take place throughout the state until February 20, 2027.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann inaugurated the celebrations, announcing a series of ongoing congregations, Sant Sammelans, katha-kirtan sessions, conventions, and university-level seminars. The Chief Minister also revealed significant infrastructure plans, including the expansion of the Sri Guru Ravidass Memorial in Khuralgarh and the creation of a Sri Guru Ravidass Bani Research Centre near Dera Ballan in Jalandhar.

Emphasizing that financial limitations would not compromise the scale or essence of the celebrations, the Chief Minister assured the full implementation of all directives from the Sant Samaj, integrating the year-long religious observance into the broader governance framework of the AAP government which prioritizes educational reforms, enhanced public healthcare with cashless treatment up to Rs 10 lakh, and policy decisions focused on public welfare.

At the state-level event commemorating the 649th Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj, Mann stated, “It is our collective duty to disseminate the Guru's message throughout the world. Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj-ji envisioned a society free from all forms of discrimination.”

Describing his role as a humble participant in the sacred gathering, the Chief Minister pledged that “the state government will spare no effort to honor the upcoming 650th Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji in a truly remarkable way.”

Reflecting on recent initiatives, Mann noted, “The state government has recently observed the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur-ji with a series of events. Similarly, extensive programs have been planned to celebrate the 650th Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj-ji in an extraordinary fashion.”

He expressed his gratitude for being connected to the sacred land, highlighting that “Guru-ji imparted a powerful message of equality from this very place and spent over four years here.”

Highlighting efforts to institutionalize the Guru's legacy, Mann stated, “To preserve the teachings and philosophy of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj, the state government has established Chairs at Punjab University and Guru Nanak Dev University for research purposes.”

He further conveyed, “As directed by the Sant Samaj, the state government will host a diverse range of events to celebrate the 650th Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj. We are all fortunate to have this once-in-a-lifetime chance to honor Guru Ji’s Parkash Purb.”

Reaffirming his government’s commitment to social justice, the Chief Minister stated, “We will relentlessly strive to improve the conditions of the weaker and underprivileged groups in society, in complete alignment with the teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji.”

Additionally, he remarked that “the state government is duty-bound to ensure the welfare of the most impoverished, and several groundbreaking initiatives are underway,” asserting that “with the blessings of Sri Guru Ravidass-ji, our government has been elected with a significant majority.”

Expanding on Guru Ji’s philosophy, Mann stated, “Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji promoted the welfare of all humanity and equality among all societal segments, laying the groundwork for a genuinely egalitarian social structure.”