JALANDHAR, Feb 1: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the country is moving forward with a mission driven approach to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat, inspired by the egalitarian vision of 15th century saint Guru Ravidas.
Addressing a gathering at Dera Sachkhand Ballan in Punjab on the occasion of Guru Ravidas’ 649th birth anniversary, Modi said the saint had envisioned a society free from deprivation and discrimination. “The nation is now working in a mission mode to realise that vision a developed India where dignity, opportunity and prosperity reach everyone,” he said.
The prime minister paid floral tributes to Guru Ravidas, remembered as a social reformer and poet whose teachings emphasised equality, compassion and social harmony. He said the saint’s concept of a ‘Begampura’ society one without sorrow or injustice continues to guide India’s development journey.
Modi’s visit to the dera came days after its head, Sant Niranjan Dass, was named for the Padma Shri award. He praised the dera’s contributions in education, healthcare and social service, noting that its work has helped spread Guru Ravidas’ teachings globally.
Earlier in the day, the prime minister renamed the Adampur airport as Shri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji Airport and virtually inaugurated the civil terminal building at Halwara airport in Ludhiana, calling the renaming a tribute to the saint’s enduring legacy.
Speaking about welfare initiatives, Modi said the government was honouring the dignity of labour through schemes aimed at farmers and workers, adding that Guru Ravidas’ teachings place work at the centre of a just society. He also highlighted ongoing projects dedicated to the saint, including a temple and museum being built in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh.
The prime minister recalled his association with Varanasi, the birthplace of Guru Ravidas, saying he draws inspiration from the saint’s ideals. He extended greetings to people across the country on the occasion of Ravidas Jayanti and Magh Purnima.
Modi later shared moments from his visit on social media, describing it as a deeply meaningful experience and expressing gratitude for the blessings he received at the dera.