Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday finalised the entire sequence of the events to be organised for commemorating the upcoming 650th parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass ji. A decision to this effect was taken in the meeting of the CM Bhagwant Singh Mann with the Sant Samaj at Punjab Bhawan.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann outlined a series of statewide events and initiatives. These include seminars, kirtan samagams, yatras, plantation drives, and the development of 650 acres of ‘Guru Ravidass Bagichis’, with the main function to be held at Khuralgarh.
Commemorating the occasion, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “I am fortunate to have got the opportunity to commemorate the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji and the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass ji. The state government will leave no stone unturned in celebrating the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass ji, as it is our collective duty to spread Guru ji’s message across the globe.”
He said, “Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj ji envisioned an egalitarian society free from any form of discrimination. The Punjab government will ensure that the upcoming 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj ji is celebrated in an unsurpassed manner.
We have recently commemorated the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji through a series of events.” Outlining preparations, the Punjab CM shared, “Year-long events have been planned to celebrate the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj ji in an unparalleled manner.
Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj ji gave the message of welfare of the entire humanity and equality of all sections, laying the foundation of an egalitarian society where no one suffers.” Reiterating commitment, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasised, “Our government is committed to building a society based on the teachings and philosophy of Sri Guru Ravidass ji, which continue to guide humanity towards equality.
Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj ji was a great spiritual ambassador and messiah of the poor and underprivileged, who taught us to lead a virtuous and noble life. This Parkash Purab is an occasion to rededicate ourselves to creating a society where every individual lives with self-respect and dignity, free from discrimination.”
Seeking guidance, the Chief Minister said, “I seek blessings and suggestions from the Sant Samaj to commemorate the 650th Parkash Purab in a befitting manner across the globe. It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that these celebrations are being held during my tenure.
The government will ensure that they are organised in the most befitting manner, and I urge the Sant Samaj to guide us with their suggestions and inputs for shaping the programmes.” It was decided that the year long celebrations will include Seminars and Workshops, Special Kirtan Samagam, Tirth Yatra, School wise Competitions, Documentary Shows, Drone Shows, Blood Donation Camps, Plantation drive.
It is also decided that the main function will be held at Khuralgarh along with Release of Pendant. Establishment of Guru Ravidass Ji's Bagichis on Total 650 Acres of Panchayati land throughout Punjab through Plantation Drive of 6.50 lakhs saplings on an average per district along with Marathon, Shobha Yatras, Cycle Rallies and others.
The main event dedicated to 650th Parkash Purab will include Inauguration of exhibition on life of Guru Ravidass ji, Katha and Kirtan Darbar, Sant Samelan dedicated to the contributions of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji, 3D Projection at Minar-e-Begumpura, Drone Show, A conference on Bani of Guru Ravidass ji and others.
On the occasion, Cabinet Ministers Harpal Singh Cheema, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, Lal Chand Kataruchak and Dr Ravjot Singh, Lok Sabha MP Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal, Advisor Tourism and Cultural Affairs Deepak Bali and others were also present.