Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria today said that the couplets and teachings of Bhagat Kabir Ji remain deeply relevant to contemporary society and human life. He was speaking at a state-level seminar organized by Bhagat Kabir Welfare Foundation at Chandigarh Group of Colleges, Landran, to mark the Saint's birth anniversary.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Kataria said that although Bhagat Kabir Ji, born in Varanasi (Kashi), did not receive formal education, he attained profound wisdom through life experience and the guidance of great saints. “That is why his messages, rooted in truth and spiritual realization, continue to resonate across generations and societal sections,” he noted.
Calling Bhagat Kabir Ji a central figure in the Bhakti movement, the Governor highlighted his message of love, equality, and devotion to God. He said Bhagat Kabir Ji received spiritual mentorship from revered figures such as Sant Ramanand and Sheikh Taqi, which shaped his unique worldview.
Reflecting on the historical context, the Governor pointed out that Kabir Ji lived during an era marked by foreign invasions, violence, and social upheaval. “In such challenging times, Kabir Sahib spread the message of faith, harmony, and unity, awakening a society entrenched in discrimination, casteism, and untouchability,” he added. “He wove the fine thread of social harmony, dyed in the color of wisdom, to craft a united society.”
Emphasizing the great Saint’s social vision, Governor Kataria said Bhagat Kabir Ji consistently advocated compassion for the underprivileged and love for all humanity, which he saw as the true foundation of human religion. “Without empathy for the weakest, humanity and harmony cannot survive,” he stressed.
The Governor expressed his gratitude for being part of the event organized by Bhagat Kabir Welfare Foundation (Regd.) in collaboration with Shri Hari Sharanam Seva Sansthan, and appreciated the non-partisan and enthusiastic spirit with which the seminar was conducted.
The seminar, held at the Landran Campus auditorium, was led by Pardeep Singh Happy, Founder General Secretary of the Foundation, and Vishal Sharma, President of the Sansthan. Prominent voices also shared insights on Kabir Ji's enduring legacy.Amritsar North MLA Dr Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh described Bhagat Kabir Ji as a social scientist and reformer, stating that the saint’s revolutionary ideas remain relevant even today.
Dr Kuldeep Agnihotri, Vice Chancellor of Central University Dharamshala, highlighted Bhagat Kabir Ji’s courage in speaking truth to power during the medieval period. “He fearlessly addressed kings and emperors, emphasizing that the essence of life lies in understanding the true meaning behind words,” he said.
Prominent attendees included Rashpal Singh Dhaliwal (President, Chandigarh Group of Colleges), Bal Mukand Sharma (Chairman, Punjab State Food Commission), Gurpreet Singh GP (former MLA, Bassi Pathana), Paramjit Kaur Landran (former Chairperson, Punjab State Women’s Commission), Sanjeev Vashisht, Sukhwinder Singh Goldy, Kuljit Singh Bedi (Deputy Mayor, Mohali), Surinder Singh Kishanpura, Kawaljit Singh Ruby (President, Sarbat Da Bhala Charitable Trust), Paramjit Singh Kahlon, Prem Singh Dhillon, Advocate Gurjit Singh Shekhan Majra, Advocate Gaganpreet Singh Bains, former Councillor Gurmukh Singh Sohal, Phulraj Singh (State Awardee), Harmanpreet Singh, Sunny Khanna, Jaswant Singh Bhullar, DSP Harsimrat Singh Ball, Kawaljit Kaur Suhana and Jasvir Kaur Atli.