Seminar on ideology of Guru Ravidas held at Panjab University

On Guru Ravidas Jayanti, the Guru Ravidas Chair of Sant Sahitya Studies, Panjab University (PU), organised a national seminar titled “Relevance of Guru Ravidas’ ideology in the contemporary era” on the PU campus today. Under the chairmanship of Prof Parmjit Kaur, the event paid tribute to Guru Ravidas Ji’s life, teachings and contributions to social and spiritual thought.

The Guru Ravidas Chair focuses on research related to the 15th-century Bhakti Movement poet and philosopher Guru Ravidas Ji. Known for advocating universal brotherhood, social equality and the rejection of caste hierarchies, his teachings remain relevant in contemporary discourse. The chair also promotes the study of Medieval Indian Sant Sahitya, fostering comparative research on the period’s literary and philosophical works.

The seminar provided a platform for scholars and attendees to reflect on Guru Ravidas Ji’s teachings and their impact on spirituality, literature and social harmony. Chief guest Dr Bachittar Singh, a former IAS officer, inspired the audience with his speech on perseverance and service to underprivileged communities. He urged everyone to imbibe Guru Ravidas Ji’s values of compassion and selflessness to create a more just society.

Keynote speaker Prof Ronki Ram elaborated on the spiritual and cultural significance of Guru Ravidas Ji’s philosophy, highlighting his role in the Bhakti Movement and his vision of an egalitarian society. Prof Parmjit Kaur welcomed participants and emphasised on the lasting impact of Guru Ravidas Ji’s teachings.

The seminar continued with thought-provoking discussions led by guests of honour Prof Yog Raj Angrish, Prof Sarabjit Singh, Prof Amandeep and Dr Ravinder Kaur. The organising committee, including Prof Tejinder Pal, Dr Parveen Kumar, Dr Sucha Singh and Mr Ramesh Kumar, ensured the event’s success. — TNS