Lashing out at the Opposition INDIA bloc, Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleged that its members were exploiting people in the name of casteism.
Quoting Sant Ravidas during the 647th Prakash Parv celebrations of Guru Ravidas on Friday, Narendra Modi said, “Everyone is worried about caste. Why not just focus on humanity? This obsession destroys people.”
Echoing Sant Ravidas’s teachings, Modi drew attention to the detrimental effects of the caste system on society. He criticised the INDIA alliance for allegedly exploiting caste divisions for political gains, claiming that they hinder the progress of the Dalits and the underprivileged.
Modi emphasised the importance of following the Sant’s teachings which guide us on the right path and caution against the dangers of caste-based politics.
Attacking the Opposition parties, the prime minister also said, “They care for the well-being of their families, cannot think about the welfare of Dalits and tribals. Everyone knows who opposed the country’s first tribal woman becoming the president. These are the same dynastic parties that start remembering Dalits during elections. We have to be cautious of them. The intentions of our government are clear on the poor, the deprived, the backward, and the Dalits.”
Noting the participation of devotees from around the country, he lauded the spirit of those coming to Kashi all the way from Punjab and said Kashi started to resemble a mini Punjab. “Like you, Ravidas ji calls me again and again to his birthplace. It’s an opportunity to uphold the teachings of Guru Ravidas ji and serve millions of his followers. It is a matter of great fortune for me. As a Member of Parliament and public representative of Kashi, it is my special responsibility to welcome you to Kashi and ensure your facilities are well taken care of.”
On the occasion, the prime minister announced the launch of development schemes worth several crores of rupees for the birthplace of Sant Ravidasji. These initiatives include the construction of access roads, arrangements for worship, prasad, etc. These enhancements aim to provide devotees with spiritual happiness and additional amenities.
During the event, Modi inaugurated a new statue of Sant Ravidas and laid the foundation stone for a museum.
He also paid tributes to Gadge Maharaj on his birth anniversary and expressed his long-standing admiration for Sant Ravidas, stating, “Even when I was not in politics, I used to seek guidance from the teachings of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji. I had a feeling in my mind that I should get an opportunity to serve him. Today, his teachings are being spread not only in Kashi but throughout the country.”
“Recently, I also had the privilege of laying the foundation stone of Sant Ravidas Memorial Art Center in Satna, Madhya Pradesh. It is India’s history that a savior in the form of a saint, sage or great personality emerges at the time of need,” the prime minister said, highlighting the role of Sant Ravidas as part of the Bhakti Movement in rejuvenating a divided and fragmented India.
He said Ravidasji gave meaning to independence in society and also bridged the social divide. He raised his voice against untouchability, classism, and discrimination.
The Vaishnav community, the prime minister said, also considers Sant Ravidasji their guru as a disciple of Jagatguru Ramanand, and the Sikh community views him with great adoration. In Kashi, he healed minds, and in Kathoti, he taught about the Ganga.
Modi recalled how everyone belongs to Ravidas Ji, and Ravidas Ji belongs to everyone. The government is dedicated to upholding Ravidasji’s ideals, with plans designed to benefit all. The mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas’ has become a unifying force for all 140 crore people of the country.
Elaborating on Sant Ravidas’s teaching on equality and cohesiveness, the prime minister said equality comes with prioritising deprived and backward communities and underlined the government’s efforts to take the benefits of the government initiative to the people left behind in the development journey.
“During the challenging times of the pandemic, free ration was provided to 80 crore underprivileged individuals. We launched the Swachh Bharat Yojana campaign, ensuring that every family had access to toilets, benefitting particularly Dalit mothers and sisters who previously had to resort to open defecation.”
The Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide clean water, with piped water reaching over 11 crore households. Additionally, Ayushman cards have been distributed, and Jan Dhan accounts have been opened to enhance financial inclusion.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Bharatiya Janata Party State President and Legislative Council member Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary, Vice President of All India Ravidas Dharma Organization Navdeep Das, Former MP Vijay Sampla, SS Dhillon, Satpal, Pradeep Das, etc. were present on the occasion.