In a significant development ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit, the Punjab government has successfully registered more than nine acres of land at a total cost of Rs 10.5 crore. This land has been officially recorded in the name of the Sri Guru Ravidas Bani Adhayyan Centre, located near Dera Ballan in Jalandhar.
Historic Initiative for Global Outreach
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, speaking on Thursday, described this move as a decision of historic importance. He emphasized that the primary aim of this initiative is to ensure the global dissemination of the teachings and ideology of Guru Ravidas, a revered spiritual figure.
Details of the Land Registrations
Cheema disclosed that three separate registries were completed on Thursday, which he termed as "one of its kind in the country". The breakdown of these registries is as follows:
- The first registry involves land in village Naugaja, measuring 64 Kanal 5 Marla, acquired at a cost of Rs 5.4 crore.
- The second registry is for a plot in village Faridpur, covering 2 Kanal, purchased for Rs 16.7 lakh.
- The third registry, also in village Faridpur, measures 10 Kanal 14 Marla and was secured for Rs 1.4 crore.
Collectively, these three registries amount to over Rs 7 crore and encompass a total area of 76 Kanal 19 Marla, contributing to the overall land acquisition for the centre.
Government's Commitment to the Cause
Expressing the government's dedication, Cheema stated, "We are fortunate to be partners in this noble cause. Our government is dedicated with heart and soul towards propagating the global message of Guru Ravidas." He further highlighted that the main objective of the Sri Guru Ravidas Bani Adhayyan Centre is to undertake research, preservation, and dissemination of Guru Ravidas's teachings.
Timing and Additional Context
The completion of this major step comes just two days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Dera Ballan on February 1, underscoring the strategic timing of the initiative. In a related event, Finance Minister Cheema also visited the Jalandhar Railway Station, where a train carrying devotees, led by Dera Ballan head Sant Niranjan Dass, departed for Kashi (Varanasi), the birthplace of Guru Ravidas.
This comprehensive effort by the Punjab government reflects a strong commitment to promoting cultural and spiritual heritage, aligning with broader goals of preserving and sharing the wisdom of Guru Ravidas on a global scale.
