Values of equality, liberty & non-discrimination reflected in Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj’s Bani 650 years ago, long before their institutional recognition in West: Harpal Singh Cheema
Freedom of speech being curtailed by political forces in power at national level, contrary to Guru Ji Maharaj’s message of equality & human dignity: Harpal Singh Cheema
State-of-Art Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Bani Adhyayan Centre to be established at Faridpura Naugaza at cost of ₹25 crore: Harpal Singh Cheema
Minister Harpal Singh Cheema addresses State-Level Seminar on ‘Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj Bani & Social Equality’ at Amity University, Mohali
CHANDIGARH/SAS NAGAR; 11th August, 2026:
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema today 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.”
Emphasising the relevance of Guru Ji Maharaj’s teachings today, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “The message of equality given by the great Guru Ji Maharaj remains especially significant in the present era. Freedom of speech is being curtailed in the country by certain political forces in power at the national level, which is contrary to the fundamental message of equality, liberty and human dignity propagated by the great Guru Ji Maharaj.”
Speaking about India’s diversity and social harmony, the Minister asserted, “Although the people of India belong to different faiths, castes and communities and have diversity in colour and culture, the spirit of unity and fraternity among the people would not allow divisive efforts to succeed. I call upon the people, particularly the younger generation, to draw inspiration from the universal teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj and strengthen the bonds of social harmony and equality.”
Elaborating on the concept of ‘Begampura’, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj vision of ‘Begampura’ represents an ideal social order free from discrimination, exploitation and inequality. The principles reflected in Guru Ji Maharaj’s Bani can serve as a guiding force in building a just, peaceful and harmonious society.”
Urging students and scholars to engage more deeply with Guru Ji Maharaj’s teachings, the Minister said, “Students and scholars should study Guru Ji Maharaj’s Bani deeply and understand its contemporary relevance. Academic institutions have a significant role to play in promoting research, dialogue and intellectual engagement with the teachings and philosophy of great spiritual personalities and social reformers.”
The event witnessed insightful addresses by prominent speakers, including Prof. Manjinder Singh, Head of the Department of Punjabi, Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, and Sant Kewal Singh Ji of Tap Asthan Sri Guru Ravidas Ji, Khuralgarh. The speakers enlightened the audience on the profound relevance of Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj’s ideals to modern society and their continuing inspiration for efforts aimed at eliminating discrimination and promoting social equality.
Distinguished academic leaders present on the stage included Dr. Puneet Sharma, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Amity University, Mohali, and Dr. Dalip Kumar, Registrar, Amity University, Mohali. Dr. Dalip Kumar delivered the formal vote of thanks and expressed gratitude to the government departments, visiting scholars, faculty members and participating students for their contribution to the successful organisation of the seminar.
The occasion was also graced by Damandeep Kaur, SDM, Mohali, and Dr. Manish Sharma, Deputy Director, Department of Higher Education, Punjab, besides faculty members and students of Amity University.
