Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hit out at the opposition I.N.D.I.A. bloc, accusing its members of exploiting people in the name of casteism.
During the 647th Prakash Parv celebrations of Guru Ravidas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflected on the words of Sant Ravidas, who once said, “Everyone is worried about caste. Why just not focus on humanity? This obsession destroys people.”
Modi highlighted the detrimental effects of the caste system on society, echoing Sant Ravidas’s teachings. He criticized the I.N.D.I. Alliance for exploiting caste divisions for political gain, claiming that they hinder progress for Dalits and the underprivileged. Modi emphasized the importance of following Sant Ravidas’s teachings, which guide us on the right path and caution against the dangers of caste-based politics.
पहले जिस गरीब को सबसे आखिरी समझा जाता था, आज हम सबसे बड़ी योजनाएं उन्हीं के लिए बना रहे हैं। pic.twitter.com/3WKv9Bg4Gj
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 23, 2024
Attacking the opposition parties, the Prime Minister also said, “They care for the well-being of their families, cannot think about the welfare of Dalits and tribals. Everyone knows who opposed the country’s first tribal woman becoming the President. These are the same dynastic parties, which start remembering Dalits during elections. We have to be cautious of them. The intentions of our government are clear for the poor, the deprived, the backward and the Dalits.”
संत रविदास जी की ये शिक्षा पूरे देश के लिए है… pic.twitter.com/RSgUqqABYM
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 23, 2024
Noting the participation of devotees from around the country, the Prime Minister especially lauded the spirit of those coming to Kashi from Punjab and said that the Kashi started to resemble a mini Punjab. He stated, “Like you, Ravidas ji calls me again and again to his birthplace. Coming here provides an opportunity to uphold the teachings of Guru Ravidas ji and serve his millions of followers. It is a matter of great fortune for me. As a Member of Parliament and public representative of Kashi, it is my special responsibility to welcome you to Kashi and ensure your facilities are well taken care of.”
The Prime Minister announced the launch of development schemes worth several crores for the birthplace of Sant Ravidas Ji. These initiatives include the construction of access roads, arrangements for worship, prasad, etc. These enhancements aim to provide devotees with spiritual happiness and additional amenities.
During the event, the Prime Minister inaugurated a new statue of Sant Ravidas and laid the foundation stone of a museum. He also paid tribute to Gadge Maharaj on his birth anniversary and expressed his long- standing admiration for Sant Ravidas, stating, “Even when I was not in politics, I used to seek guidance from the teachings of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji. I had a feeling in my mind that I should get an opportunity to serve him. Today, his teachings are being spread not only in Kashi but throughout the country.”
“Recently, I also had the privilege of laying the foundation stone of Sant Ravidas Memorial Art Center in Satna, Madhya Pradesh. It is India’s history that a savior in the form of a saint, sage or great personality emerges at the time of need”, the Prime Minister emphasized, highlighting the Sant Ravidas ji was part of the Bhakti Movement that reenergized a divided and fragmented India. He said that Ravidas ji gave meaning to independence in society and also bridged the social divide.
He raised his voice against untouchability, classism, and discrimination. He observed that the Vaishnav community also considers Sant Ravidas ji as their Guru as a disciple of Jagatguru Ramanand, and the Sikh community views him with great adoration. In Kashi, he healed minds, and in Kathoti, he taught about the Ganga.
Modi recalled that everyone belongs to Ravidas Ji, and Ravidas Ji belongs to everyone. The government is dedicated to upholding Ravidas Ji’s ideals, with plans designed to benefit all. The mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas’ has become a unifying force for all 140 crore people of the country.
मुझे खुशी है कि ‘सबका साथ, सबका विकास, सबका विश्वास और सबका प्रयास’ के मंत्र के साथ हमारी सरकार संत रविदास जी के विचारों को आगे बढ़ा रही है। pic.twitter.com/dyIgvdVY8f
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 23, 2024
Elaborating on Sant Ravidas’s teaching on equality and cohesiveness, the Prime Minister said that equality comes with prioritizing deprived and backward communities and underlined the government’s efforts to take the benefits of government initiative to the people left behind in the development journey. “During the challenging times of the pandemic, free ration was provided to 80 crore underprivileged individuals. We launched Swachh Bharat Yojana campaign, ensuring that every family had access to toilets, benefitting particularly Dalit mothers and sisters who previously had to resort to open defecation.”
The Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide clean water, with piped water reaching over 11 crore households. Additionally, Ayushman cards have been distributed, and Jan Dhan accounts have been opened to enhance financial inclusion.
On this occasion, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Bharatiya Janata Party State President and Legislative Council member Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary, Vice President of All India Ravidas Dharma Organization Navdeep Das, Former MP Vijay Sampla, SS Dhillon, Satpal, Pradeep Das etc. were present.
