BJP to launch 'Samarasata Sankalp Abhiyan' to mark 650th birth anniversary of Sant Guru Ravidas on July 29
New Delhi, July 27
The BJP announced the launch of a nationwide campaign titled Sant Shiromani Shri Guru Ravidas Ji Maharaj Samarasata Sankalp Abhiyan. The campaign will run from July 29, 2026, to February 20, 2027, to mark the 650th birth anniversary of Sant Guru Ravidas Ji.
Its objective is to take the saint's message of social harmony, equality and public awakening to every village across the country, BJP National General Secretaries Tarun Chugh and Dushyant Kumar Gautam told media persons at the party's central office in New Delhi on Monday.
Gautam said the BJP consistently honours great personalities who enriched India's cultural and social values. He recalled that Sant Guru Ravidas was born in Seer Govardhan village in Varanasi and attained spiritual liberation at Chittorgarh Fort. Living in a period of forced religious conversions and widespread distress, the saint, along with other Bhakti movement luminaries, spread cultural values through regional languages and guided society towards awakening. Kabir Das conferred upon him the title of 'Sant Shiromani'.
Gautam highlighted Guru Ravidas's teachings, including the renowned saying "Man changa toh kathauti mein Ganga" (If the mind is pure, the Ganga resides in the humble water-trough), and his vision of Begumpura, a casteless society free from sorrow where high and low live together. His disciples included Mirabai and several rulers, while 41 of his hymns are enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib.
He also listed initiatives taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including the naming of Adampur Airport after the saint, a special train, temple developments at multiple sites, a research centre in Sagar, and reconstruction of the Tughlaqabad temple in Delhi.
Chugh announced that the campaign will begin on Guru Purnima (July 29) with the flagging-off of 131 sacred kalash containing soil from the saint's birthplace in Varanasi. These will travel to 21,000 locations nationwide by September 10, accompanied by processions, aarti and puja (worship). A Deepotsav (lighting of earthen lamps) will be held at 51,000 temples, including a grand lamp display at Varanasi's Ganga Ghat.
Further phases will include outreach to saints, a major yatra (religious procession) from Jalandhar to Varanasi (October 5-November 5), programmes in schools and hostels, and development of five key sites associated with the saint's life. The campaign aims to spread the message of unity and harmony throughout the year leading up to the 650th birth anniversary.
The third phase will involve outreach to the youth to disseminate Sant Guru Ravidas Ji's principles among the masses. In the fourth phase, processions will be organised from every village in the country to encourage devotees to visit the birthplace of Sant Guru Ravidas Ji.
— IANS
Reader Comments
"Man changa toh kathauti mein Ganga" – such a timeless teaching. I'm glad the government is using this opportunity to spread awareness. However, actions speak louder than words. The real test will be whether this campaign leads to actual social change in villages where caste discrimination still exists. Let's hope it's more than just photo ops. 🙏
Good to see the BJP honouring Sant Ravidas ji, but let's not forget that many saints from the Bhakti movement have been neglected for decades. This campaign should be about genuine unity, not vote bank politics. The 21,000 locations target is ambitious – I hope the local communities are actively involved, not just spectators.
As someone studying Indian culture, this is fascinating. The Bhakti movement's emphasis on equality is so relevant today. I appreciate the efforts to connect youth through the fourth phase. But I'm curious – will this campaign also address the economic inequalities that Sant Ravidas spoke against? That would make it truly transformative.
Respectful criticism: The BJP often uses such campaigns for political mileage. Look at the timing – just before elections? 🤔 Sant Ravidas ji's message of a casteless society (Begumpura) is radical even today. If the government truly follows his teachings, they should start by addressing caste-based discrimination in their own ranks. Actions matter more than grand yatras.
I like that they're involving schools and hostels – youth need to know about our great saints. The Jalandhar to Varanasi yatra sounds epic!
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.