PM Modi Connects Viksit Bharat Vision to Guru Ravidas' Philosophy in Punjab Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday drew a profound connection between his government's Viksit Bharat initiative and the centuries-old teachings of Guru Ravidas, the 15th-century saint and social reformer. Speaking at Dera Sachkhand Ballan in Jalandhar, Punjab, Modi emphasized that the vision of a developed India emerges directly from Ravidas' philosophy of Begumpura—a society free from sorrow, discrimination, and deprivation.
Spiritual Foundations of Development
"The country is working in mission mode to realize the target of Viksit Bharat. Viksit Bharat is an outcome of Sant Ravidas' philosophy," Modi declared to a gathering at the Dera. He elaborated that Viksit Bharat represents a nation where nobody lives in poverty, where there is respect and opportunities for all. With the blessings of Sant Ravidas, the Prime Minister expressed confidence in achieving this ambitious national goal.
Modi's visit carried significant timing, coming just days after Dera head Sant Niranjan Das was honored with the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award. The Prime Minister personally sought blessings from Sant Niranjan Das, touching his feet in a gesture of reverence. He praised the Dera's extensive social service work and its global expansion under Sant Niranjan Das's leadership.
Historical and Political Context
The Prime Minister highlighted his personal connection to Guru Ravidas through his Lok Sabha constituency, Varanasi, which is the saint's birthplace. "My bond is with Kashi, the birthplace of Sant Ravidas," Modi said, adding that his visit to Punjab felt like coming to the land that inspired the saint's teachings.
Dera Sachkhand Ballan, located in Ballan, Jalandhar, stands as the largest and most influential institution of the Ravidassia community. Conservative estimates suggest over 20 lakh followers worldwide, with approximately 15 lakh in Punjab alone, particularly concentrated in the Doaba region. Modi's visit, though officially on invitation from Sant Niranjan Das, is widely viewed as part of the BJP's outreach to the Ravidassia community ahead of Punjab's upcoming elections.
Infrastructure and Economic Announcements
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi unveiled the renamed Shri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji Airport at Adampur and virtually inaugurated the civil terminal building at Halwara airport in Ludhiana. He connected these developments to broader economic initiatives, particularly highlighting how the recent Union Budget and India-European Union trade agreement would benefit Punjab.
"Punjab is a key MSME and textile hub," Modi noted, explaining that the trade deal would open markets in 27 European countries for Punjab's textiles and sports goods, especially from cities like Jalandhar, Ludhiana, and Amritsar. He emphasized that this would generate more orders and employment but cautioned industries to maintain uncompromising quality standards for Made in India products.
Budget Alignment with Social Welfare
The Prime Minister detailed how the Union Budget focuses on inclusive growth through substantial allocations:
- Over Rs 17 lakh crore for infrastructure, irrigation, and housing
- Enhanced healthcare affordability, including cheaper cancer medicines
- Special provisions for MSMEs, recognizing Punjab's strong small industry culture
- Strengthened sports infrastructure through schemes like Khelo India
Modi stressed that these initiatives reflect Guru Ravidas' egalitarian ideology, which his government is carrying forward through various welfare and development schemes. He noted that Guru Ravidas Jayanti is now celebrated nationally, with several states declaring holidays, and mentioned that a Guru Ravidas temple and museum is being developed in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh.
Broader Recognition of Social Harmony
Emphasizing his administration's commitment to honoring saints who preached social harmony, Modi pointed to similar recognitions elsewhere. In Ayodhya, the airport has been named after Maharishi Valmiki, another significant gesture given Jalandhar's considerable Valmiki population. This pattern of recognition, according to the Prime Minister, demonstrates how spiritual teachings and governance can work together to build a more equitable and developed society.
Through his visit and statements, Prime Minister Modi effectively blended faith with governance, positioning Viksit Bharat not just as a political program but as a continuation of India's rich spiritual heritage aimed at creating a society truly free from deprivation and discrimination.
