President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Padma Shri upon Sant Niranjan Dass (84), the chief of Dera Sachkhand Ballan, at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday evening, triggering widespread celebrations across the Ravidassia community in Punjab's Doaba region.
Community Celebrates the Honor
Members of the Ravidassia community remained glued to television and social media for the first glimpse of the ceremony. Leaders and groups quickly shared congratulatory messages and images online. BJP leaders, including former MLAs Avinash Chander and Sheetal Angural, were among the first to post pictures of the dera head with messages of pride. Chander, a prominent Dalit leader, also shared a photograph taken with Sant Niranjan Dass outside Rashtrapati Bhavan immediately after the ceremony, underscoring his close association with the saint.
Recognition for Spiritual and Social Service
The Padma Shri, announced on Republic Day this year, recognizes Sant Niranjan Dass for his contributions to spiritualism and social service. His influence extends beyond Punjab, as he is also the “gaddi nasheen” of Sri Guru Ravidass Janam Asthan Mandir at Seer Govardhanpur in Varanasi, the birthplace of Guru Ravidas and the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Political Significance and Grand Reception Planned
Sant Niranjan Dass’s stature was highlighted earlier this year when PM Modi visited Dera Ballan on Guru Ravidass Jayanti, touching the saint’s feet and escorting him on stage — a gesture seen as politically significant in wooing Punjab’s 32% Dalit population ahead of elections. Devotees are preparing a grand reception for Sant Niranjan Dass upon his return to Punjab, coinciding with the ongoing yearlong 650th Guru Ravidass Jayanti celebrations.
