Bhopal. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav attended a program organized on the occasion of the 650th birth anniversary year of Sant Shiromani Shri Guru Ravidas Maharaj. He inaugurated the state-level 'Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan' and 'Kalash Vandan Yatra' program by lighting the ceremonial lamp at Ravindra Bhavan in Bhopal on August 18. He also distributed urns to divisional representatives during the program. BJP State President Hemant Khandelwal and National Commission for Scheduled Castes Chairman Lalsingh Arya were also present at the program.
On this occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resolve, our government is committed to freeing society from the grip of casteism and untouchability. Prime Minister Modi, through the Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan, has set the goal of uniting all sections of society in a common bond of unity. He said that amid casteism and an environment filled with numerous challenges, there is a need to awaken pure feelings within ourselves and bring social harmony. He said that times have changed in the country. Now, the airport built in the holy city of Lord Shri Ram, Ayodhya, has been named after Maharishi Valmiki, while an airport in Punjab has been named after Sant Ravidas Maharaj.
The Saint's Place Will Be Developed as a Pilgrimage Site
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that it is the good fortune of Madhya Pradesh that a grand temple and memorial of Sant Ravidas Maharaj is being constructed in Sagar at a cost of ₹100 crore. Prime Minister Modi will soon be invited for the inauguration of this Dham. During the 650th birth anniversary year of Sant Ravidas Ji, land worship will be performed in Ujjain for the construction of a grand Gurudwara while preserving his belongings and the Samadhi site of his disciple. Pilgrimage sites in the state where Ravidas Ji set foot will be developed with all necessary facilities. He said that today, the Chambal region's Sheopur is also going to receive a new railway gift. This will benefit the people of the state in terms of transportation. The state government is ready to provide support at every level in the action plan of the Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan. We will all remember and follow the path shown by Sant Ravidas Maharaj. We will also incorporate it into our lives.
Society Was Saved from Disintegration
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Sant Shiromani Shri Guru Ravidas Maharaj, who was born on the sacred land of Kashi, worked to unite India. At that time, foreign invaders wanted to destroy Indian traditions. As a young boy, Ravidas Maharaj listened to the sermons and discourses of Sant Ramanand Acharya Maharaj on the ghats of Banaras and, with devotion, resolved to unite society. Our saints carried the banner of social harmony in their hands, and Ravidas Maharaj gave the message, "Ask no one about caste—whoever worships Hari belongs to Hari." Sant Ravidas always maintained a sense of devotion in his heart while performing his duties. Sant Premanand Maharaj, one of the greatest saints of that era, initiated Sant Ravidas Maharaj. The devotional songs of Sant Ravidas continue to hold an important place in people's hearts even today.
Let Us Set an Example of Social Harmony
BJP State President Hemant Khandelwal said that Sant Ravidas gave society the mantra of abandoning bitterness and embracing social harmony. We have to take this Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan to every person. A grand temple and memorial of Sant Ravidas is being constructed in Sagar. We have to bring together every section of society, set an example of harmony, and make India a developed nation. Former minister and National Commission for Scheduled Castes Chairman Lalsingh Arya said that Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas Maharaj inspired people toward social harmony, human welfare, and standing against religious conversion. Emerging from the soil of Kashi, he embraced Jhali Rani and Mirabai as his own. When there was a drought in Jalandhar, Sant Ravidas Ji helped alleviate the water crisis for the welfare of the people. Today, there is a need to take the words and resolve of Sant Ravidas Ji to every person. We have decided to run the Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan for five months.
Kalash Vandan Yatra Will Begin in MP on August 20
Former minister Arya said that the Kalash Yatra began from Kashi and Kalash worship was conducted at 51 places across the country. Of the 129 urns that came from Kashi, 98 reached Uttar Pradesh and the remaining urns reached all other states. These urns contain soil from the birthplace of Sant Ravidas Ji. The Kalash Vandan Yatra will be taken out at the district level. On August 20, the Kalash Vandan Yatra will begin in every district of Madhya Pradesh. All saints will be invited to this program. After this, processions carrying the urns will be taken out in villages and towns. In the final phase, under the hostel outreach campaign, students will be introduced to the life and philosophy of Sant Ravidas Ji. As part of this, the main Samrasta Sankalp Yatra will be taken out from Jalandhar. This effort will strengthen the social fabric of the country. The Sant Sampark Abhiyan is also being conducted across the country from July 29 to August 30. So far, more than 29,000 saints have been honoured. Prime Minister Modi has named airports after Sant Ravidas and Valmiki. A grand temple of Sant Ravidas Ji is being constructed in Madhya Pradesh.