early times report
Jammu, Oct 22: Former President of the Jammu University Research Scholars Association (JURSA) and Eminent educationist Dr. Hari Dutt described the great 15th-century saint, Guru Ravidass Ji, as a symbol of social equality, love, and harmony, stating that his teachings remain fully relevant even in today’s era.
Dr. Hari Dutt was in conversation with Balbir Ram Rattan, a follower of Guru Ravidas Ji and a social activist, discussing the life and thoughts of Guru Ravidass Ji. During the conversation, he said that the Indian saints does not belong to any one caste, class, or sect, but serves as a source of inspiration for the welfare of all humanity. He particularly emphasized that Guru Ravidass Ji worked to dismantle the walls of casteism, discrimination, and social hierarchy. His immortal saying, “If the mind is pure, the holy Ganges flows in a humble vessel,” still conveys the message of self-reflection and inner purity.
Highlighting the contribution of Guru Ravidass Ji, Dr. Hari Dutt said that his thoughts are full of love, inclusiveness, humanity, and the spirit of service. He said that to confine the teachings of saints like Guru Ravidass within narrow boundaries would be an insult to their broad and universal message. India’s cultural heritage has been enriched by the inclusive thinking and social reforms of such saints, he added.
Balbir Ram Rattan said that Guru Ravidass was not merely a saint but a pioneer of social consciousness. His writings are infused with deep sentiments of spirituality as well as social justice, equality, and freedom.
Supporting Balbir Ram Rattan’s views, Dr. Hari Dutt said that we should not restrict the teachings of our saints to religious texts alone, but must incorporate them into our daily lives. He emphasized that it is the need of the hour to bring the thoughts of such saints to every section of society.
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