Punjab BJP Chief Ashwani Sharma Highlights Guru Ravidas’ Teachings

Ashwani Sharma, the working President of the Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), emphasized the teachings of Guru Ravidas during a program celebrating the 649th birth anniversary of the revered saint. This event took place on February 7, 2026, in Chandigarh, organized by the Scheduled Caste (SC) Morcha Punjab. Sharma highlighted how the spiritual guidance of Guru Ravidas serves as a roadmap for creating an ideal society, particularly relevant amid the current challenges facing Punjab.

In his address, Sharma pointed out the deteriorating law-and-order situation in Punjab under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. He stated, “When we look at the present condition of Punjab, the law-and-order situation is deteriorating day by day, youth are moving towards drugs and gangsterism, and the common man is living in an atmosphere of insecurity.” He invoked the concept of “Begumpura,” which translates to a place devoid of pain, as a guiding principle that reflects the urgent need for social reform.

Sharma criticized the current environment in Punjab, noting that fear and extortion have become prevalent concerns for local traders and families. “Guru-ji envisioned a society where there would be no fear and no forced extortion,” he remarked. He urged the community to adopt the teachings of Guru Ravidas to bridge the growing social divide in the region.

In a significant institutional commitment to honoring Guru Ravidas’ legacy, the Punjab government recently announced a year-long celebration leading up to the 650th Guru Purab on February 20, 2027. Chief Minister Mann inaugurated the commemorations, outlining a series of religious, cultural, and academic initiatives scheduled throughout the state. These include sustained congregations, Sant Sammelans, and university-level seminars.

The Chief Minister assured that financial constraints would not hinder the scale or spirit of the observances. He has committed to following the directives of the Sant Samaj, positioning the celebrations within the broader governance framework of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). This framework prioritizes education reform, expanded public healthcare with cashless treatment options up to Rs 10 lakh, and other policy decisions aimed at public welfare.

As the celebrations progress, Sharma’s remarks resonate with many in Punjab, emphasizing the need for unity and equality as envisioned by Guru Ravidas. The teachings of this 15th-century saint continue to inspire many, underscoring the relevance of his message in addressing contemporary social challenges in the state.