Guru Ravidas’s bani remains relevant to social equality: Cheema

Cheema said values of equality, liberty and non-discrimination reflected in the bani nearly 650 years ago continued to hold relevance today

Punjab finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday said the bani of Guru Ravidas carried a timeless message of equality, human dignity, social justice and universal brotherhood.

He said the Punjab government was establishing a state-of-the-art Sri Guru Ravidas Ji Bani Adhyayan Centre at Faridpura Naugaza in Dera Ballan at a cost of ₹25 crore, besides around ₹11 crore spent on land. (HT Photo)

Addressing a state-level seminar on ‘Sri Guru Ravidas Ji Maharaj Bani and Social Equality’ at Amity University, Mohali, he said guru’s teachings transcended caste, creed and social barriers.

Cheema said values of equality, liberty and non-discrimination reflected in the bani nearly 650 years ago continued to hold relevance today. Referring to the concept of ‘Begampura’, he said it represented an ideal society free from discrimination, exploitation and inequality.

He said the Punjab government was establishing a state-of-the-art Sri Guru Ravidas Ji Bani Adhyayan Centre at Faridpura Naugaza in Dera Ballan at a cost of ₹25 crore, besides around ₹11 crore spent on land.

Cheema also alleged that freedom of speech was being curtailed by political forces at the national level, which he said was contrary to the guru’s message of equality and human dignity. He urged students and scholars to study the bani and promote social harmony.