In a significant gesture reflecting Punjab’s commitment to social harmony and spiritual heritage, Punjab Cabinet Ministers Harpal Singh Cheema and Lal Chand Kataruchak on Wednesday flagged off a special train carrying devotees to Varanasi to mark the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji. The train departed from the city railway station, carrying hundreds of devotees who set out on the sacred journey with prayers, devotion and a spirit of collective faith.
The flag-off ceremony witnessed a large gathering of political representatives, community leaders and devotees, underlining the importance of the occasion. Among those present were Lok Sabha Member Raj Kumar Chabbewal, Chabbewal MLA Dr. Ishank Kumar, former Minister Balkar Singh, Mohali MLA Kulwant Singh and Chairman of the Punjab State Cooperative Agricultural Development Bank, Pawan Kumar Tinu. The leaders joined devotees in paying respects and participating in the religious observance, creating an atmosphere of reverence and unity.
Addressing the gathering after seeking blessings from Sant Niranjan Dass Ji of Dera Ballan, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the state government is preparing to observe the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji on a grand and historic scale. He said the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government has finalised a comprehensive roadmap to ensure that statewide programmes are organised with devotion, discipline and wide public participation. According to him, these programmes will focus on spreading awareness about the life, teachings and travels of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji, with the aim of deepening public understanding of his spiritual and social message.
Minister Cheema said that the government is taking concrete institutional steps to preserve and promote the spiritual legacy of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji. He informed that a sale deed has been signed for establishing a dedicated research and study centre for the sacred bani of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji. He said this centre will facilitate in-depth academic and spiritual research, helping future generations to engage with Guru Ji’s teachings in a structured and scholarly manner. The Finance Minister described Sri Guru Ravidas Ji’s message as timeless, noting that his emphasis on equality, dignity of labour and welfare of humanity continues to remain highly relevant in contemporary society.
Highlighting the broader vision of the state government, Cheema said that the teachings of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji offer a powerful framework for building a society based on social justice, mutual respect and harmony. He said that the Punjab Government is committed to aligning its welfare and social policies with these values, especially in the context of uplifting marginalised and weaker sections of society.
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak also addressed the devotees, reaffirming the government’s resolve to shape a social environment inspired by the philosophy of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji. He said that a detailed plan has been prepared to observe the 650th Parkash Purab in a befitting and historic manner, ensuring that the celebrations go beyond ritual observance and become a platform for reinforcing values of equality and universal brotherhood. He added that the government will work closely with religious institutions, community organisations and local administrations to ensure smooth and dignified conduct of all related events across the state.
Extending greetings to devotees on the occasion of the 649th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji, Minister Kataruchak said that Guru Ji envisioned an ideal social order free from discrimination and injustice. He said that by drawing inspiration from these teachings, the Punjab Government is taking sustained steps to strengthen social security, welfare schemes and inclusive development policies aimed at ensuring dignity and opportunity for all sections of society.
Leaders present at the event also highlighted the continuing relevance of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji’s philosophy in addressing modern social challenges. They said that his message of universal brotherhood, equality and compassion remains a guiding light for efforts to build a more just and inclusive Punjab. The special train initiative, they noted, not only facilitates religious pilgrimage but also symbolises the state’s respect for spiritual traditions and its commitment to supporting faith-based journeys in an organised and respectful manner.
The flag-off of the special train to Varanasi thus marked not just the beginning of a pilgrimage, but also a reaffirmation of Punjab’s broader social and spiritual vision. By combining religious observance with a clear message of social harmony and equality, the event reflected the state government’s effort to connect faith with inclusive governance and long-term social cohesion.
