Guru Ravidass – A Revolutionary Harbinger of Democratic Socialism

 

Guru Ravidass – A Revolutionary Harbinger of Democratic Socialism

Thanks and Welcome to PM Narendra Modi on his gesture to visit Dera Sachkhand Ballan on February 1, Guru Ravidass Jyanti. It was scheduled to post this blog on January 31 on the eve of the Gurpurab of the great Guru. What the changed scenario with the pronounced visit of PM Narendra Modi to visit the Dera to pay obeisance and join the followers of Guru

Ravidass in the celebrations of Guru Ravidass cajoled me to propone and post the blog in advance as the contents of the blog contain some of my humble suggestions to celebrate and observe the 650^th Jyanti in the coming year of 2027. Hon’ble PM and the concerned authorities not in the GOI alone but also in the ruling elite of RSS and that of RSS too may consider these humble suggestions in the run up to the great events with regard to the 650^th Year of the revolutionary Guru whose mission and philosophy is as relevant today as it was before to make India ‘Vikshit Bharat’ by 2047 as visualized by PM Narendra Modi.

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Greetings and congratulations on the Gurpurab of Guru Ravidass, the 649^th Jyanti of the great Guru, February 1, 2026. a revolutionary harbinger of democratic socialism. First, I resort to some facts of Guru Ravidass’s teachings and thoughts with regard to the democratic socialism in the society and the world at large particularly in the scenario of increasing tendencies of negating the

lofty ideals of ‘equitable socio-economic world order’ as stipulated in the Constitution of India and the UN Charter. In this regard, I will mostly dwell on the ‘theme song’ of the Bani of the great Guru as ordained in his Sabad – Begumpura Shehar Ka Naon rightly and thoughtfully enshrined in Sri Guru Granth Sahib by the great Sikh Gurus. The essence of the Sabad may be described as:

Guru Ravidas's shabad "Begumpura Shehar Ka Naam" describes a utopian city, Begumpura (City without Sorrow), a spiritual realm of eternal bliss, equality, freedom from suffering, taxes, fear, and caste, where everyone lives in harmony and divine joy, as a vision for a just society free from worldly oppression. The English rendering conveys this ideal nation as a place of perfect happiness, with no kings, no burdens, and universal love, a humanist dream of a world without pain or anxiety. 

Guru Ravidass was a visionary humanist. The last couplet of the Sabad is very revealing. Apart from talking about equality, justice, liberty, welfare state etc., he underscored fraternity – Jo Hum Shehri So Meet Hamara which is very essence of harmonious

living. Very rightly and thoughtfully later our forefathers led by Babasaheb Ambedkar adopted and enshrined this lofty ideal of fraternity in the Constitution of India. Not only here, Guru Ravidass was not oblivious of the pangs of hunger and poverty and the virtue of equitable social order in the society. He said –

Aisa Chahun Raj Mein; Yahan Mile Saban Ko Ann,

Chot Bade Sab Sam Vashen; Ravidass Rahe Parsan.

 

(I wish to have such a mode of governance where nobody sleeps hungry. Where all of us; rich and poor live happily)

 

 All said and done, it is beyond any doubt that Guru Ravidass was the beacon light of democratic socialism to make not our own country Bharat a place of joy and happiness but the entire humanity in these days of conflict and strife. Guru Ravidass is required to be not only celebrated with all solemnity but to prepare and educate the coming generations to learn from the teachings and philosophy of the great Guru.

In this background, I voluntarily join the stray and unheard voices of celebrating and observing next Year 2027; the 650^th Gurpurab of Guru Ravidass with focus and added emphasis for the larger good of the society. The State Governments of the States where the followers of Guru Ravidass has considerable presence and the Government of India should consider, decide and deliver by making appropriate special programmes and events to pay a betting tribute to the great Guru Ravidass in year 2027-28, the 650^th Jyanti. I have some, off the cuff, suggestions in this regard as a humble follower of the great Guru.

 

                         I.          GOI may appoint a High Power Committee of Ministers, highly placed bureaucrats, spiritual leaders of Ravidassia community, Ravidassia intelligentsia (Budhijivis) and others from the society at large.

                      II.          The High Power Committee of the GOI will formulate and draw up suitable programme to celebrate and commemorate the 650^th Parkash Utsav and the Year 2027 as a befitting tribute to the life, philosophy and Legacy of Guru Ravidass.

 

The following suggestions may be considered and made with regard to the programme –

·      National Function on the Guru Ravidass Jyanti in 2027 at Seergoverdhanpur, the birth place of the great Guru at Varanasi.

·      Functions at important places pertaining to Guru Ravidass and his legacy like – Dera Sachkhand Ballan at Jalandhar  and Charan Cho-Ganga at Khuralgarh in Hoshiarpur in Punjab, Guru Ravidass Temple at Tuglakabad in Delhi, Ravidass Chattri at Chittorgarh in Rajasthan, Sarnath/Budh Gaya in Bihar, Ahemdabad in Gujrat,  Chennai in Tamil Nadu among others

·      Issuing of Commemorative Postal Stamp and Coins.

·       Inclusion of Guru’s Vani and socio-cultural message of Guru Ravidass in the syllabus and curricula of Schools and Colleges.

·      All Universities should host functions to celebrate the 650^th year of Guru’s Parkash Utsav appropriately.

·      All schools and colleges should be advised to celebrate the occasion suitably.

·      Establish Guru Ravidass Study Chairs at Banaras Hindu University at Varanasi, Guru Nanak Dev University at Amritsar, Panjab University at Chandigarh among others.

·      Discussions and Debates on Guru Ravidass on Doordrshan

·      Advise and direct all Indian Diplomatic Missions in the countries where members of the Ravidassia community are concentrated like the UK, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Austria, Germany, and Italy among others.

·      Special programmes on Guru Ravidass by the socio-cultural outfits like RSS, SGPC, Beas Satsang, Nirangkari Satsang, Swainarayan (Aksardham) among others, Chaitanya Prabhu outfits among others.

I conclude this piece with the hope that the State Governments and the Central Governments would listen, consider and decide on the matter with a view to maintain and sustain the continuity of India that is Bharat as elaborated in the Allma Iqbal’s nazam -

चिश्ती ने जिस ज़मीं में पैग़ाम-ए-हक़ सुनाया

नानक ने जिस चमन में वहदत का गीत गाया

मेरा वतन वही है मेरा वतन वही है

 

Padma Shri Award to Niranjan Dass of Dera Sachkhand Ballan

 

Padma Shri Award to Niranjan Dass of Dera Sachkhand Ballan

GOI under the stewardship of PM Narendra Modi has conferred the 4th highest civilian award; Padam Shri on the revered spiritual and social personality, Sant Niranjan Dass ji, the Chief (Gaddi Nasheen) of Sachkhand Dera Ballan of Jalandhar. It is an appreciative and right decision of the GOI. As I congratulate the Revered Sant on this, I thank the GOI for this pleasant and meaningful gesture. He has been selected for the 2026 Padma Shri in the field of Social

Work/Spiritualism for his contributions to the Ravidassia community, running the Sarwan Dass Charitable Eye Hospital and many such outfits for the benefit and advantage of the society at large and promoting social harmony. The citation of the Award reads “Sant Niranjan Dass – Spiritual leader for over 75 years, Established Sant SarwanDass Charitable Eye Hospital and Sant Sarwan Dass Model School, Promoted ideal ‘Land Without Sorrow; Preparing all people tolive without fear and poverty.“

I was wondering how come the GOI has decided this sidelining the normal practices and precedence.  I resorted to the Google Guru and I was surprised to read that in Punjab Sant Niranjan Dass ji is an exception as no one, so far, from the field (Spiritualism and Social Service) of the Sant could be considered for the honour. For many years successively, the followers of Insaan Gurmit Ram Rahim of Sacha Sauda have been trying to recommend him for the prestigious award but GOI could not be convinced. It is a matter of great satisfaction for Dera Sachkhand Ballan and the followers and devotees of the Dera and Sant Niranjan Dass ji.

Dera Sachkhand Ballan, let me add, enjoys immense following and respect not only in Punjab but in the whole country and also abroad. The sterling role and contribution right from Sant Sarwan Dass and down the line to Shaheed Sant Rama Nand and Sant Niranjan Dass ji in generating much need awareness and sense of empowerment among the masses particularly from the socially marginalized sections of the society is praise worthy. The Revered Sants and the Dera have been the flag bearers of Guru Ravidass, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Babu Mangoo Ram Mugowalia and as such has become the nerve center of Chetna for the masses.

With this, now I come to crux that what the award of Padam Shri to Sant Niranjan Dass ji entails in my cursory assessment. It is said that in diplomacy no lunch is free. I think it is true for politics too, to my mind. The socio-political scenario in the country is fast changing, thanks to the Constitution of India given by Babasaheb Ambedkar. The concept of ‘One vote one value’ is fast catching up with the

democratic set of the county. The voice of Dalits, socially and educationally marginalized segments of the society, is getting louder and louder and rightly so. The flag bearers of Guru Ravidass and Babasaheb Ambedkar like Dera Sachkhand Ballan and others who represent the depressed classes have much to do and deliver. Many awards and recognitions would follow, if our leadership both Spiritual and Political play their cards carefully.

  I once again congratulate Sant Niranjan Dass ji and the Dera Sachkhand Ballan and also their followers.

Tu Pehle Baat Phir Baat Ka Andaz Paida Kar;

Phir Tujhe Duniya Mein Koi Nazar Andaz Kr Nahin Sakta

 

 

Greetings on the Republic Day, January 26

Greetings on the Republic Day, January 26

We the people of India are celebrating one of our National Days; the Republic Day on January 26. India became Republic on January 26, 1950 when the new Constitution of India formally came into effect. India that is Bharat has become a mature Republic in 75 years without much hassle, thanks to the Constitution, barring a couple of hick-ups like the imposition of Emergency in 1975, demolition of Babri Masjid in 1981, Operation Blue star at Darbar Sahib in Amritsar in 1984, Hindu-Sikh riots of 1984, Godhra communal riots of 2002 and may be some more such bad dreams which we need to forget in the largest interests of the country. It is a matter of gratification to note that we are surely though slowly remained on track in spite of these aberrations. Again, it could happen only because of our very potent and effective constitutional framework provided by our forefathers led by Babasaheb Ambedkar. With this background, to my mind, the first pledge we the people of India should take on the Republic Day should be – Save and Guard the Constitution of India by all means at our command. This is the only way which will lead us to make and see India a developed country – Vikshit Bharat as visualized by PM Narendra Modi.

Why I said so? Let me elaborate a bit. Of late, it has been witnessed that - i) Indian politics is getting polarized on communal considerations rather than ideology and agenda ii) Credibility of Constitutional outfits like ECI, CAG, UPSC, NCSCs is increasingly

diminishing iii) Integrity of originations like CBI, ED, IB etc. is getting sullied over the years iv) Federal credentials of the country is increasingly coming under stress v) last but not the least, a much need sense of constitutional morality in protecting the constitutional values could not be cultivated and nourished over the last 75 years. I wish that the political elite particularly the ruling dispensations take due note of these, if we intend to remain on track with regard to progress and prosperity of Bharat. On the Republic Day, this is the second pledge which we should take that we would understand and do our best to control the avoidable damage already done consciously or otherwise.

The next thing which should not skip our attention is the warnings of Babasaheb Ambedkar to safeguard our freedom in the Constituent Assembly especially his speech of November 25, 1949. Sounding these warnings loud and clear, "Political democracy cannot

succeed where there is no social and economic democracy. Social and economic democracy is the tissues and the fiber of a political democracy. The tougher the tissue and the fiber, the greater the strength of the body”. The third pledge we should make on this solemn day of India becoming Republic is to see and ensure that we the people f India transform our constitutional and political democracy into a social and economic democracy as visualized by Babasaheb Ambedkar.

With this, I close my narration of Greetings with the hope that Indian public opinion has really come of an age to save and protect the Republic of India that is Bharat.

Chupa Kar Asteen Mein Bijliyan Rakhi Hain Gardoon Ne
Anadil Bagh Ke Ghafil Na Baithen Ashiyon Mein

The sky has kept thunderbolts concealed up its sleeve
Garden’s nightingales should not slumber in their nests

 

 

The Bits and Pieces – As I Please – 17

 

The Bits and Pieces – As I Please – 17

Punjab Government Action on Hind Samachar Group of Jalandhar – The news of Punjab Government’s action on the Hind Samachar Group of Publications – Punjab Kesari and Jagbani daily newspapers - is currently engaging the public attention in Punjab and beyond. And rightly so as these newspapers have, over the decades, have become staple diet of information and news menu of the public at large in the region. I myself stand for a free and fair media on one

hand and unbridled functioning of the media organs on the other. Obviously, any action on the media by the authorities and political powers on flimsy procedural and logistical grounds should not be permissible. I am confident that the standoff between the media and the government will be called off at the earliest as the matter is already in the court. The Hind Samachar Group and the other media houses of Jalandhar namely; The Veer Partap, The Milap, The Ajit, The Nawan Zamana enjoyed considerable standing not only  Punjab but also the entire North India. Before moving to Delhi in early 1970s for joining the IFS, I grew up in my formative years in Jalandhar by reading Hind Samachar, Punjab Kesari, Jagbani of the celebrated hierarchy of the legendary Lala Jagat Narain, Ramesh Chandra and currently Vijay Chopra, Ashwini Chopra and Avinash Chopra and satiating my hunger of news and information. As of today also Punjab Kesari Hindi and Jagbani Punjabi is a house hold name in Punjab and beyond. A free and fair media is an important pillar called the Fourth Estate of democracy. I wish the Hind Samchar Group all the best wishes in the years to come.

Meri adda ko dabana to khair mumkin hai;

Magar nai awam ki awaj kaum rokega.

 

Bhim Raj Garg – On introduction by our mutual friend, Prem Chumber, Editor-in- Chief of the Ambedkar Times and Desh Doaba and also of Desh Doaba TV Channel of California (USA), Bhim Raj Garg of Chandigarh dropped in and met me at my residence in Jalandhar. It was a rewarding meeting in the chilly morning over a hot cup of black coffee. I found Garg Sahib, 75, a remarkable personality with considerable assets of head and heart particularly

with regard to culture and arts pertaining to Bollywood and Pollywood. No wonder by now, the Punjabi film industry has come a long way to match any of its counterparts in other languages. It has arrived, perhaps, but yet to reach. It would certainly reach given the dedication and contribution of personalities like Bhim Raj Garg. I could notice that Garg Sahib was, apart from his first love of cinema, was interested in matters of interest and concern to the society particularly with reference to the weaker sections. Given my own interest in such matters, we discussed matters of interest and gifted him my latest book; Bootan Mandi- Nerve Centre of Dait Chetna. Later, I saw his interaction at Ambedkar Bhawan in the social media and an interview with Tarsem Badhan of Desh Doaba TV. Incidentally Tarsem Badhan has also been deeply associated with the film industry in yester-years. On further perusal of Bhim Raj Garg’s profile, I was really impressed by his credentials as an intellectual face of cinema and related media as a film historian and content writer. Many research papers and media talks adorn his profile as a positive and educative contribution to his chosen field of intellectual engagement. Garg Sahib is the author of a seminal work; The Illustrated History of Punjabi Cinema among many more publications. With his professional career as a Banker with Reserve Bank for bread brother, he is engaged with the cultural and educative pursuits with zeal. I take this opportunity to wish Bhim Raj Garg all the very best in the years to come.

Abi Uddan Baki Hai; Kai Ashman Baki Hain

 

The Bits and Pieces – As I Please – 16

 

The Bits and Pieces – As I Please – 16

I was quite regular in writing my blogs but this winter slowed me. It was cold, of course but I felt that age was taking its toll; I turned 75 in December, 2025. Nonetheless, I am back on my feet and thought of picking up the threads to continue with my usual pastime.

Erase caste from mind to end discrimination: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat – Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak of the all-powerful socio-cultural outfit of not only India but of the world at large said this while addressing a RSS centenary function at Kolkata, as reported in the media. He said that caste discrimination could be eliminated from social practice only if caste was first erased from the mind. It is a very lofty idea; very attractive at its face value. But how

it could happen is a big question mark? It has to be answered in sincerity, if we want to unite the Hindus and take India on rails in its tryst with the journey to become ‘Vishwaguru’ which was also referred to by Mohan Bhagwat Sahib in the same speech. I am reminded of an English saying, ‘one cannot have the cake and eat it too’ – RSS intends to, to my mind, retain the status quo of ‘Manuwad’ and still talks of erasing  caste from the mind. Though I am a votary of RSS concept of ‘Samrasta’ yet I wonder how caste can be erased from the mind, if we continue to practice Manusmriti and Tulsi Ramayan among others which clearly stand for ‘graded inequality and caste based discrimination’. It amounts to creating confusion willfully which is dangerous and must stop. As I mentioned earlier in my blogs as to what RSS must immediately do is – one encourage inter-caste marriages with ‘Dalit Eligibles’ and second, reserved 50% jobs and positions of ‘Dhramacharya’ – Hindu Priests for Dalits after teaching and training them suitably. Only then caste could be erased from the mind in the coming 50 years or so. Otherwise, it is all camouflage.

'इक़बाल ' बड़ा उपदेशक है - मन बातों में मोह लेता है 

गुफ़्तार का ये ग़ाज़ी तो बना किरदार का ग़ाज़ी बन न सका 

 

Unbecoming conduct of the President of a great country; USA – The idiosyncrasies of the President of the USA, Donald Trump gas crossed all limits which may safely be termed as an ‘unbecoming conduct’ of a leader of the stature of the President of a great country. Right from the beginning of his second term about a year ago, he unleashed his ideas which defy all logic and settled principles of international interaction. The most surprising aspect of all this is that the US public which professes to be democratic and humane is

watching this high voltage drama of their President. Trump desired to accommodate Canada as 51st State of the USA apart from absorbing Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, in one way or the other. Unleashed ‘tariff terror’ on countries supposed to USA’s strategic partners like India among others. He commanded that Nobel Prize for Peace should be conferred on him. Following the Indian saying ‘Maan Na Maan Main Tera Mehman’, repeatedly and unabashedly claimed that he stopped the nuclear standoff between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor of India against terrorism of Pakistan. Defying all cannons of diplomacy, attacked Iran and now again threatening Iran of regime change after his uncalled for and dangerous conduct in Venezuela, oil rich neighbor in Latin America. There are many other instances which may be listed to accuse President Trump for willfully defying the international order and also the UN Charter. It is for certain now that the UN has totally outlived its utility and relevance. New structures matching the changed ground realities to monitor and guide the international order are needed; the sooner the better before any other Trump stands up. Before that happens, individual and collective response to President Trump is needed. Rich and developed countries of Europe and Pacific (Australia) and beyond (Canada) along with big and strong countries like Russia, China, India, Brazil, South Africa, Nigeria, Mexico, Turkey (Turkiye)  should stand to oppose President Trump and his Administration.  Regional blocs like Europe, Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Central Asia, Caribbea; inter alia should get united to oppose the nefarious agenda of the self-proclaimed cop of the world. Unfair and discriminatory tariffs should be met with reciprocity. Let the US money and material rest in their own country. We are no more interested in going to the moon but live on this earth with dignity and respect. The ongoing united action and response of Middle East in the case of Iran and Europe in case of case of Greenland has sent a strong message to President Trump, I believe. More needs to be done in the coming days and weeks and years in the long run to bring about peace and prosperity in the world at large. In the emerging situation, my thoughts go to the ‘Gandhian Thought’ on grass root democracy and economic development rather than running after the much flaunted so called modern socio-economic dispensations. 

'ज़फ़र' आदमी उस को न जानिएगा वो हो कैसा ही साहब-ए-फ़हम-ओ-ज़का

जिसे ऐश में याद-ए-ख़ुदा न रही जिसे तैश में ख़ौफ़-ए-ख़ुदा न रहा