BJP to launch nationwide 'Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan' to mark Guru Ravidas' 650th birth anniversary year
New Delhi, July 27
BJP MP Tarun Chugh on Monday announced that the party will observe the 650th birth anniversary year of Guru Ravidas through a nationwide campaign titled 'Sant Shiromani Shri Guru Ravidas Ji Maharaj Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan', beginning on July 29 and continuing till February 20, 2027.
Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, Chugh said the seven-month campaign would commence on the occasion of Guru Purnima on July 29, 2026, and conclude on Guru Ravidas' birth anniversary on February 20, 2027.
He said the process would begin on July 28 at Guru Ravidas' birthplace in Varanasi, where 131 urns containing soil from the site would be worshipped.
"On 29 July, BJP National President Nitin Nabin, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, State President Pankaj Chaudhary, and the entire party leadership will flag off the journey of these 131 urns across the country. The journey of these urns will cover every state and district in the nation," Chugh said.
He said 'Kalash Vandana' programmes would be organised at 21,000 locations across the country between July 29 and September 10.
According to Chugh, the campaign will also include programmes at 51,000 temples across the country beginning July 29.
"On the night of 29 July, diyas will be lit in honour of Shri Guru Ravidas in villages and temples across the country at all 51,000 locations. Additionally, a historic Deepmala event will be organised at the Ganga Ghat," he said.
Earlier on Friday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the state-level workshop of the Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan, organised to mark the 650th birth anniversary year of Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas Maharaj at a local hotel on Tyagi Road in Dehradun.
Paying tribute to the revered saint, the Chief Minister said that Guru Ravidas' teachings and ideals remain timeless and highly relevant for society.
The Chief Minister said that the life of Sant Ravidas symbolises India's rich cultural tradition that has guided society towards equality, humanity, social justice, and harmony. Through his teachings and exemplary life, he inspired people to rise above social evils such as untouchability, discrimination, and caste-based inequality.
He emphasised that Guru Ravidas believed a person's identity should be defined not by caste but by character, actions, and values.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Interesting move by BJP. From my understanding of Indian politics, this seems like an attempt to connect with Dalit communities ahead of elections. But if it genuinely spreads Guru Ravidas' message of social harmony, that's a positive step regardless of political motives.
As someone from Varanasi, I know the deep connection Guru Ravidas has with our city. But 131 urns being sent across the country? Sounds like a lot of showbazi. Why not spend that money on actual dalit welfare instead? Aapse seedha baat karte hain, yeh sab photo ops hain.
The Deepmala event at Ganga Ghat sounds beautiful. Guru Ravidas ji taught us that character matters more than caste. I hope this campaign actually reaches rural areas where discrimination is still prevalent. But I'm skeptical—BJP has done little for SC/ST communities on ground level.
It's good that they're honoring a saint who advocated for social justice. But I wish the campaign had more substance—like educational programs or economic initiatives inspired by his philosophy. Symbolic gestures without structural change don't address systemic caste discrimination.
Guru Ravidas ji ka sandesh aaj bhi utna hi relevant hai. Lekin jab BJP ke leaders themselves have done caste-based politics, toh yeh campaign thoda hypocrisy jaisa lagta hai. Nonetheless, if a single person learns from his teachings of equality, it's worth it. 🕯️
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.