Urges students to follow Sri Guru Ravidas Ji’s teachings by pursuing needs, not greed, to become better human beings
8th State-Level Seminar organised at CGC University, Jhanjeri, Mohali, dedicated to the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji
Chandigarh/SAS Nagar, August 27:
Punjab Minister for Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Power, Rural Development and Panchayats, S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond, today urged the younger generation to follow the teachings of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji, who raised his voice against oppression and caste-based discrimination nearly six centuries ago.
Addressing the 8th State-Level Seminar at CGC University, Jhanjeri, Mohali, organised as part of the year-long commemoration of the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji by the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Minister said that Sri Guru Ravidas Ji made an immense contribution to the spiritual and social upliftment of humanity and laid great emphasis on the dignity of labour and hard work.
He said that Sri Guru Ravidas Ji courageously raised his voice in favour of the oppressed and weaker sections of society at a time when people were subjected to discrimination and injustice on the basis of caste and other social divisions. Guru Ji preached the universal principles of equality, justice and human dignity and envisioned a society free from discrimination.
Urging students to imbibe these values in their lives, S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond said that they should remain away from greed and pursue only their genuine needs in order to lead a contented and meaningful life. He also urged them to cultivate the habit of reading good books to gain a deeper understanding of spirituality and human values.
The Minister said that the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann is fortunate to have the opportunity to commemorate two historic occasions—the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji.
He said that a series of programmes, including Kirtan Darbars, university and state-level seminars, drone shows, school competitions, Shobha Yatras and other awareness activities, have been planned across the State as part of the year-long commemoration of the 650th Parkash Purab.
Highlighting the State Government’s efforts to protect the younger generation from drug abuse, S. Sond said that the Punjab Government has launched a decisive campaign against drugs. He added that nearly 1,000 sports stadiums and playgrounds have been completed so far out of the 3,100 being developed across Punjab, with the objective of encouraging youth towards sports and constructive activities and keeping them away from the menace of drugs.
He said that the Punjab Government is also organising seminars and awareness programmes to sensitise young people towards their responsibilities towards society and guide them spiritually.
The Minister further informed that a Centre of Excellence-type Sri Guru Ravidas Ji Bani Adhyayan Kendra is being constructed near Dera Ballan in Jalandhar at a cost of Rs 25 crore, while Rs 11 crore has been spent on the procurement of land for the project. He added that the Punjab Government has earmarked an initial budget of Rs 100 crore for the year-long activities being organised to commemorate the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji.
Delivering the religious message, Sant Satwinder Heera Ji, National President, All India Adi-Dharam Mission, Charan Chhoh Sachkhand Begumpura, Sri Khuralgarh Sahib, said that Sri Guru Ravidas Ji gave a powerful message of hard work, equality and social justice.
He said that Guru Sahib opposed the oppression of weaker sections and preached equality among all human beings. The concept of Begumpura, envisioned by Sri Guru Ravidas Ji, presents the ideal of an egalitarian society where all people can live with dignity, free from discrimination based on caste or colour.
He urged students to remain focused on their goals and work with dedication to achieve them without getting distracted from their aims. Sant Satwinder Heera Ji also appreciated Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann for organising year-long activities to pay homage to and spread the teachings of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji.
AAP SC Wing State President Gurpreet Singh GP, former MLA, said that the soil of Punjab and India is blessed to have inherited the rich legacy and teachings of the great Gurus and saints. He said that the principles propagated by Sri Guru Ravidas Ji remain equally relevant and adaptable even in the present era.
Vice Chancellor Dr Vinay Goyal said that human values have acquired even greater importance in the present age of Artificial Intelligence and rapid digitalisation. He said that the vision and teachings of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji continue to guide humanity towards spiritual enlightenment and moral values amid technological advancement.
He urged students to explore the spiritual world by reading and learning more about the teachings of great saints and Gurus.
Among others present on the occasion were SDM Kharar Gurmeet Singh; Dean Students Welfare Dr Sachin; Professor and Moderator Dr Krishna; Deputy Director, Higher Education Department, Dr Manish Kumar; and other distinguished guests, faculty members and students.
