National webinar on “Bhagat Ravidas Ji: Life and Teachings” 

Ludhiana: Under the Patronage of Gujranwala Khalsa Education Council, the Gurmat Sabha of Gujranwala Guru Nanak Khalsa College, Civil Lines, Ludhiana organized a National Webinar on “Bhagat Ravidas Ji: Life and Teachings” in order to commemorate his birth anniversary. Shri S. R. Ladhar, Former Principal Secretary, Department of Planning, Rural Development and N.R.I affairs delivered the presidential address. Dr. Ronaki Ram, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Professor Department of Political Science, Panjab University, Chandigarh, Dr. Jasbir Singh Sabar, Former Head, Department of Guru Nanak Studies, GNDU, Amritsar, Dr. Jaspal Kaur Kang, Former Head, Department of Guru Nanak Sikh Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh were the resource persons of the day. Dr. S.P. Singh, Former Vice Chancellor, GNDU Amritsar and President, Gujranwala Khalsa Education council welcomed the guests and emphasized the need of such webinars to propagate the Sikh religion and to connect youth with the Sikh traditions.

In his Presidential address, Dr. S. R. Ladhar paid his homage to the true and vehement devotee of Waheguru, Bhagat Ravidas ji who gave the pivotal message that a human being is recognized by his deeds and not by his caste from birth. His selfless devotion and casteless love for humanity spread far and wide.

Dr. Ronaki Ram threw light on the life of Bhagat Ravidas ji that symbolized universal brotherhood and tolerance. He taught about the omnipresence of God and said that a human soul is a particle of God and hence Ravidas ji rejected the idea that people considered lower caste cannot meet God.

Dr. Jasbir Singh Sabar talked about the unprecedented example presented by Ravidas ji through his revolutionary ideas. He denounced the Brahminical thoughts in India and advocated the worship of the Supreme Being. He told the society of that time that a human being is recognized by his good deeds and not by his caste. He raised his voice against the wave of untouchability and caste system which was prevalent at that time.

While throwing the light on the teachings of Ravidas ji, Dr. Jaspal Kaur Kang, stressed the point highlighted by him that birth in “low caste” is no hindrance in the way to spiritual development. The only condition required is freedom from duality; all else including pilgrimage to and bathing in the holy places is in vain.

The vote of thanks was proposed by Principal, Dr. Arvinder Singh. He showed his deepest gratitude to Dr. SP Singh, President, Gujranwala Khalsa Education Council and Honorary General Secretory S. Arvinder Singh for their constant motivation and the eminent guests of the day for gracing the occasion. He also applauded the efforts of the organizing team of the Webinar that comprised Prof. Jaspreet Kaur and Dr. Mandeep Kaur.