Ravidas Jayanti Celebrations Emphasize Equality
The celebrations of Ravidas Jayanti serve as a call to action to uphold the values of equality, justice, and compassion, and to work towards creating a more just and equitable society, where the marginalized and underprivileged can find an emancipatory space and live with dignity.
Guru Ravidas's teachings of equality, dignity, and justice continue to inspire social justice movements in India, with his concept of Begumpura envisioning a society where everyone is equal and there is no hierarchy, as the nation celebrates Ravidas Jayanti.
Ravidas, a 14th-century poet and social reformer from the chamar caste in Varanasi, promoted equality and economic justice, influencing leaders like B.R. Ambedkar, Ram Manohar Lohia, and Kanshi Ram, who aimed to abolish the caste system. His legacy continues to shape social justice movements in India, with his ideas aligning with socialist principles that emphasize economic equality, collective welfare, and compassion for the underprivileged.
In modern India, Ravidas's teachings remain relevant, with his concept of Begumpura serving as a model for an alternative imagination where the marginalized can find an emancipatory space beyond everyday oppression and vulnerabilities. Punjab's Power and Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO extended his warmest greetings to the people of Punjab and followers of Guru Ravidas worldwide on the sacred occasion of Parkash Utsav of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji, highlighting the significance of Guru Ravidas' teachings and the state government's commitment to upholding the values of equality, justice, and inclusivity.
To commemorate Guru Ravidas Jayanti, banks will be closed on Wednesday, February 12, in some places, including Himachal Pradesh and Aizawl, while the Delhi government has declared a holiday for government employees in the national capital. Customers can still access digital banking services on bank holidays, but it's best to contact the nearest bank branch for clarification.
As the nation celebrates Ravidas Jayanti, it is a reminder of the importance of promoting equality, justice, and inclusivity, and working towards creating a society where everyone is equal and has access to resources and opportunities, as envisioned by Guru Ravidas in his concept of Begumpura.
