Unveiling the Wisdom of Guru Ravidas Ji: National Seminar Reverberates with Timeless Teachings

Chandigarh February 23, 2024: The echoes of Guru Ravidas Ji's wisdom resonated on Friday, marking the conclusion of the "National Seminar on Guru Ravidas Jayanti" at Panjab University, Chandigarh. 

 The Guru Ravidas Chair of Sant Sahitya Studies conducted its "National Seminar on Guru Ravidas Jayanti" under the chairmanship of Prof. Parmjit Kaur. This prestigious event served as a poignant tribute to the life, teachings, and indelible contributions of the revered saint, philosopher, and poet.

The Guru Ravidas Chair of Sant Sahitya Studies at Panjab University stands as a beacon of the institution's commitment to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Punjab. Dedicated to scholarly examination and research into the life, contributions, and teachings of Guru Ravidas Ji, the Chair fosters academic exploration and cultural preservation. Through its endeavours, it seeks to deepen our understanding of Guru Ravidas Ji's teachings and their relevance in contemporary society. 

The seminar was not merely an event but a celebration of Guru Ravidas Ji's enduring legacy, highlighting the profound impact of his teachings on spirituality, literature, and social cohesion.

Under the theme "Bani of Guru Ravidas in the Contemporary Era," the seminar was a journey into the depths of spiritual enlightenment, guided by the profound insights embedded within Guru Ravidas Ji's spiritual compositions. Scholars and attendees engaged fervently in discussions, contemplating the relevance of these teachings in navigating the complexities of the modern world while fostering harmony and understanding.

The seminar commenced with warm welcome by Prof. Parmjit Kaur, Chairperson of the Guru Ravidas Chair and University Business School at Panjab University, Chandigarh, whose unwavering dedication and leadership united scholars in honouring Guru Ravidas Ji's teachings, ensuring a day of profound discourse and cultural enrichment. She eloquently highlighted the significance of Guru Ravidas Ji's teachings and their enduring relevance in contemporary society. She emphasized Guru Ravidas Ji's message of love, equality, and social justice with Bani of Guru Ravidas Ji “ਤੌਹੀਮੌਹੀ- ਮੌਹੀ ਤੌਹੀ ਅੰਤਰਕੈਸਾ, ਕਨਕ ਕਟਕ ਜਲ ਤਰੰਗ ਜੈਸਾ”. She conveyed that the bani of Guru Ravi Das not only speaks about the universal brotherhood, tolerance and secularism but also reshapes the Indian Knowledge and religious tradition in terms of evolving the concept of sacred/ dharma in terms of establishing equality of all human beings. The legacy of Guru Ravidas Ji extends far beyond the confines of his era and geographical location. His teachings have permeated the fabric of Indian spirituality and continue to inspire millions across the globe. She said that Guru Ravidas Ji ia a mystic poet , saint and social reformer who gave an idea of egalitarian society. She gave a message of Love, Compassion, justice, fraternity to the whole of mankind.

The esteemed presence of Chief Guest graced the occasion alongside Prof. Manmohan Singh, a distinguished Panjabi Post novelist, critic, and linguist. He shed light on the Guru Ravidas Ji’s entire Bani which is mentioned in Guru Granth Sahib Ji. He emphasized that Guru Ji devoted his entire life to God. He said that Indian tradition has much diversity in its religious, social, economic and political arena. He said that our saints gave a vision to the society and the globe. Bani of Guru Ravidas will always show a new direction to the world. He shared his life experience with the audience.

Followed by Prof. Gurpal Singh, the Keynote Speaker, DES-MDRC, Panjab University, provided a comprehensive overview and illuminated the seminar with his scholarly insights, enriching the dialogue with profound reflections. He said that the Indian tradition is a knowledge tradition. Bhagti movement is basically an agency of knowledge constructed by saint poets from all sects and castes of the society. Gurbani is the final attestation of Indian knowledge tradition.

Dr Parveen Kumar, from Centre for Distance and Online Education, Panjab University, Chandigarh introduced the Theme of the seminar and setting the stage for a day of intellectual exchange and spiritual exploration. 

After the invigorating tea break, the technical session conducted under the chair of Prof. Yograj, the esteemed Chairman of the Panjabi Department at Panjab University. He said in his valedictory remarks all the researchers should focus on conceptual and technical Bani of Guru Ravidas Ji which can give growth and innovation to the literature and society. He also emphasized on future research related issues. The members of organizing committee, Prof. Tejinder Pal, University Business School, Dr. Parveen Kumar from Centre for distance and online education, Dr. Sucha Singh from Centre for distance and online education and Mr. Ramesh Kumar, Superintendent of Guru Ravidas Chair, played a pivotal role in the seamless execution of the event. In technical session, distinguished researcher scholars, Prabhjot, Mandeep Kaur, Deksha, Ramandeep Kaur, Gurpreet Singh, Gurdeep Singh, Ramandeep Kaur, Sunil Kumar and Harjit Singh elucidated on the multifaceted aspects regarding birth and teachings of Guru Ravidas Ji. Prof. Parmjit Kaur, Chairperson of the Guru Ravidas Chair and University Business School at Panjab University, Chandigarh,  gave a vote of thanks to all the dignitaries and guests.