By Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday said the state government is committed to promoting social harmony and social justice by drawing inspiration from the teachings of Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas. Addressing a large gathering in Gurugram, he described the Guru Ravidas Kalash Yatra as more than a religious procession, calling it a nationwide campaign to spread the values of equality, unity, and human dignity.
The Chief Minister was speaking after flagging off the sacred Kalash Yatra for all 27 organisational districts of Haryana. The yatra, which began from Guru Ravidas’ birthplace at Seer Govardhanpur in Varanasi to mark his 650th birth anniversary, will now travel across the state before continuing its journey across the country.
Before attending the event, Saini offered prayers at the Shri Sheetla Mata Temple in Gurugram. He later carried the sacred kalash on his head from the temple premises to the departure point, where it was ceremonially handed over to representatives from all 27 districts. During the programme, he also honoured members of the saint community by presenting them with ceremonial shawls.
The Chief Minister said the Kalash Yatra would continue across different parts of India until February 20, 2027, carrying Guru Ravidas’ message of equality, justice, and humanity. He expressed confidence that the yatra would reach villages, towns, and cities throughout Haryana, encouraging people from every section of society to participate.
As part of the event, Saini also announced a financial grant of ₹31 lakh for Guru Ravidas dharamshalas in Gurugram, saying the government remains committed to supporting institutions that preserve the saint’s legacy and social message.
Highlighting Guru Ravidas’ teachings, the Chief Minister said the saint believed that a person’s identity should be defined by character and actions rather than caste or birth. He added that the sacred soil brought from Varanasi symbolises equality because the earth itself does not recognise caste, religion, or social divisions.
According to Saini, Guru Ravidas envisioned a society where every individual enjoys equal opportunities, lives with dignity, and is free from discrimination and fear. He urged people to move beyond merely remembering the saint’s teachings and instead practise them in their daily lives.
The Chief Minister also linked Guru Ravidas’ ideals with the government’s governance philosophy, saying the principles of equality and inclusive development are reflected in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas.” He said Haryana has been implementing transparent recruitment systems, welfare schemes, education initiatives, healthcare programmes, and social justice measures without discrimination.
Calling upon religious organisations, community groups, and public representatives, Saini appealed for the Kalash Yatra to become a people’s movement that strengthens social unity and spreads Guru Ravidas’ message to every household across the state.
Development and Panchayats Minister Krishan Lal Panwar also addressed the gathering, saying Guru Ravidas devoted his life to promoting equality, compassion, service, and social reform. He noted that the saint consistently challenged discrimination based on caste and untouchability while encouraging values such as honesty, hard work, and selfless service.
Bharatiya Janata Party Haryana President Archana Gupta said the party is organising social harmony campaigns across the country to commemorate Guru Ravidas’ 650th birth anniversary. She said the sacred kalash, brought from the saint’s birthplace in Varanasi, will be welcomed across all districts of Haryana before being installed at temples and community centres to inspire people with Guru Ravidas’ ideals of equality, brotherhood, and social harmony.
The event was attended by several cabinet ministers, legislators, religious leaders, BJP office-bearers, local representatives, and devotees from different parts of Haryana, who participated in the ceremonial launch of the yatra.
