Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the prominent Dera Sachkhand Ballan in Punjab's Jalandhar district today, February 1, to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sant Guru Ravidas, a revered spiritual and social reformer. This significant visit, confirmed by senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders including former Punjab minister Manoranjan Kalia and Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, underscores the government's engagement with the Ravidassia community, particularly in a state with the highest proportion of Scheduled Caste population in India at approximately 32 percent.
Spiritual Tributes and Political Significance
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi paid heartfelt tributes to Sant Ravidas on social media platform X, emphasizing that the saint's teachings on compassion and justice are integral to the government's welfare initiatives. In his post, Modi expressed "infinite salutations to the unparalleled devotee of humanity, the great saint Shri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Ji," highlighting the enduring relevance of his message in contemporary governance.
This visit holds considerable political weight as the BJP aims to strengthen its foothold in Punjab ahead of the 2027 assembly elections. The party's outreach to the Dalit community, through engagements like this, is seen as a strategic move to carve a distinct identity in the state's political landscape.
Dera Sachkhand Ballan: A Community Hub
Dera Sachkhand Ballan, located in Jalandhar, is the largest dera (spiritual center) of the Ravidassia community in Punjab. It serves as a vital cultural and religious hub for followers of Sant Ravidas, who emerged from a Dalit background to become an icon of equality and human dignity. The dera's head, Sant Niranjan Dass, was honored with the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, on January 25 this year, a decision welcomed by Punjab BJP working president Ashwani Sharma as a matter of pride for the entire nation.
Sharma noted that Sant Dass has played a remarkable role in disseminating the thoughts and messages of Guru Ravidas both nationally and internationally. Last December, Sant Dass, along with senior BJP leaders from Punjab, personally invited Prime Minister Modi to attend the birth anniversary celebrations, setting the stage for today's visit.
Airport Renaming: A Historic Gesture
As part of his schedule, Prime Minister Modi will arrive in Jalandhar after the Union Budget 2026 presentation by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi. He is expected to land at the Adampur airport in Jalandhar at 3:45 pm, where he will unveil the new name of the airport: Sri Guru Ravidas Ji Airport, Adampur.
This renaming fulfills a long-standing demand to honor the social reformer, symbolizing a tribute to his legacy of promoting equality and dignity. The gesture is particularly meaningful for the Ravidassia community and aligns with the government's efforts to recognize and celebrate India's diverse spiritual heritage.
Broader Implications and Community Engagement
The visit and airport renaming are part of a broader narrative of cultural recognition and political outreach. By engaging with the Ravidassia community on such a significant occasion, the BJP not only honors a key figure in India's social reform movement but also reinforces its commitment to inclusive development and social justice.
As Prime Minister Modi participates in the Guru Ravidas Jayanti celebrations, his actions today are poised to resonate beyond Punjab, highlighting the intersection of spirituality, politics, and community empowerment in contemporary India.
