Shimla: The National Kalash Yatra, carrying sacred soil from Kashi (Varanasi) to mark the 650th birth anniversary of Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas Ji Maharaj, received a grand welcome in Shimla. Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur personally carried the sacred Kalash on his shoulders and participated in the procession to the Valmiki Temple in Krishna Nagar.
Addressing the gathering, Jai Ram Thakur said the timeless message of harmony, equality, social justice, and humanity propagated by Sant Guru Ravidas Ji continues to inspire society. He noted that the revered saint rejected caste discrimination and social divisions while advocating a society founded on love, service, brotherhood, and equality. According to him, these teachings remain as relevant today as they were centuries ago.
He further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi draws inspiration from India’s saint tradition and has consistently worked to connect citizens with the country’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage through such initiatives.
Jai Ram Thakur stated that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India is promoting its spiritual legacy, cultural heritage, and traditional values with renewed pride. He said the vision of “Virasat Par Garv aur Vikas ke Prati Sankalp” (Pride in Heritage and Commitment to Development) reflects the foundation of a developed India, while the ideals of Guru Ravidas Ji reinforce the spirit of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas.”
Calling upon the youth to embrace the teachings of Guru Ravidas Ji, he urged them to contribute towards social harmony, public service, goodwill, and nation-building. He added that such sacred yatras are not only symbols of faith but also play an important role in strengthening social unity, preserving Indian culture, and inspiring future generations.
Among those present were BJP State President Rajiv Bindal, former ministers Rajiv Saizal and Suresh Bhardwaj, MLA Deepraj Kapoor, BJP State General Secretary Sanjeev Katwal, and several party leaders and workers.
