Punjab Cabinet Ministers Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema and Lal Chand Kataruchak on Wednesday flagged off a special train carrying devotees to Varanasi from the city railway station to mark the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji, with the leaders calling upon people to walk the path of universal brotherhood shown by Sri Guru Ravidas Ji to build an ideal and inclusive society.
The programme was attended by Lok Sabha Member Raj Kumar Chabbewal, Chabbewal MLA Dr. Ishank Kumar, former Minister Balkar Singh, Mohali MLA Kulwant Singh and Chairman Punjab State Cooperative Agricultural Development Bank Pawan Kumar Tinu, who joined the devotees in marking the occasion with devotion and reverence.
Addressing the gathering, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, after seeking blessings from Sant Niranjan Dass Ji of Dera Ballan, said, “The Punjab Government led by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann will observe the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji on a grand scale with devotion and reverence. Statewide programmes focusing on the life, teachings and travels of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji will be organised, and a detailed roadmap in this regard has been finalised in a meeting of the Cabinet Sub Committee.”
Highlighting concrete steps taken by the government, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “A sale deed has been signed for setting up a dedicated centre for extensive research and study of the sacred bani of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji. Sri Guru Ravidas Ji gave a timeless message of welfare of humanity and equality of all sections of society, and his teachings continue to guide society towards social harmony and justice.”
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, while addressing the devotees, said, “The Bhagwant Mann Government remains fully committed to shaping a society rooted in the teachings and philosophy of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji. A comprehensive plan has been drawn up to observe the 650th Parkash Purab on a large scale, and the government will ensure that the celebrations are held in a befitting and historic manner.”
Extending greetings to the devotees on the 649th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji, Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said, “Guru Ji envisioned an ideal social order where no one suffers discrimination or hardship. By following these teachings, the Punjab Government is taking sustained steps to secure the welfare of the weaker sections of society.”