Guru Ravidas Ji’s Bani a beacon of light for humanity: CM Mann announces Rs 100 crore budget for 650th Prakash Purab
Babushahi Bureau
Jalandhar (Punjab), August 9, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday laid the foundation stone for the Bani Research Centre dedicated to the teachings of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji at Dera Sachkhand Ballan in Jalandhar.
Paying obeisance at the revered religious site, the Chief Minister said the sacred Bani of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji is a beacon of light for humanity that dispels the darkness of ignorance and conveys the message of equality, brotherhood, love and humanity.
Addressing a large gathering, Mann said Punjab is the sacred land of great Gurus, saints, seers and spiritual figures, where the values of harmony, inclusiveness and communal brotherhood have remained strong for centuries.
He said there is no place for hatred, jealousy or discrimination in Punjab, as the state’s rich heritage is rooted in love, peace, harmony and unity.
₹100 Crore Budget Announced for 650th Prakash Purab
Making a major announcement, the Chief Minister said the Punjab government is making extensive preparations to celebrate the upcoming 650th Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji with devotion and on a large scale.
He announced that the government has earmarked ₹100 crore for celebrations and related development works.
Mann said the Bani Research Centre being established at Dera Ballan would emerge as an important and historic institution for in-depth study of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji’s Bani, advanced research and intellectual discussions. It would also help take Guru Ji’s philosophy and teachings to people across the world, he added.
CM Praises Sant Niranjan Dass
On the occasion, Mann also lauded the services of Sant Niranjan Dass Ji, the present head of Dera Sachkhand Ballan, in the religious, social and educational fields.
The Chief Minister said Sant Niranjan Dass Ji has been working extensively for the welfare of underprivileged and needy sections of society and described his contributions as exemplary.
Mann said the conferment of the Padma Shri on Sant Niranjan Dass Ji by the Government of India for his selfless religious and social services was a matter of immense pride for Punjab and devotees across the world.
The Chief Minister was warmly welcomed by the Dera management and devotees during the event. He assured that the Punjab government would continue working for the overall development and welfare of the state while drawing inspiration from the teachings of the Gurus.