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oi-Oneindia Staff
Mumbai: On the occasion of the 650th birth anniversary of Sant Shiromani Shri Guru Ravidas Maharaj, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched the ‘Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan’ across the country, with a special focus on taking the saint’s message of equality, brotherhood and social harmony to the younger generation.
Marking Sant Ravidas Maharaj’s 650th birth anniversary, the BJP launched the nationwide ‘Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan’, including a Kalash Yatra across Maharashtra from July 2026 to February 2027, aimed at spreading his message of equality and social harmony to the youth.
In Maharashtra, BJP state president and MLA Ravindra Chavan is leading the campaign, under which sacred soil from Sant Ravidas Maharaj’s birthplace in Varanasi is being carried across the state as part of a Kalash Yatra.
The yatra reached Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar via Nagpur, where Ravindra Chavan welcomed the sacred Kalash. The campaign is aimed at taking the social philosophy of Sant Ravidas beyond religious programmes and connecting it with students, young people and different sections of society.
Ravindra Chavan’s message on equality and social unity
Speaking at the programme, Ravindra Chavan said Sant Ravidas Maharaj gave society a message of equality, brotherhood and unity by rising above caste and religious divisions.
He said the Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan represents a collective resolve to bring different sections of society together and strengthen the spirit of social harmony.
For the younger generation, the campaign seeks to connect these ideals with education, social participation, responsible citizenship and nation-building.
From Varanasi to every district of Maharashtra
The Kalash Yatra, which began from Varanasi, will travel across Maharashtra in different phases from July 2026 to February 2027.
Sacred soil from the birthplace of Sant Ravidas Maharaj will be taken to all districts of the state. Kalash Puja ceremonies will be organised at different locations, providing an opportunity for local communities and young people to engage with the saint’s teachings and social philosophy.
The organisers say the objective is to ensure that Sant Ravidas Maharaj’s message reaches beyond religious and community boundaries and becomes part of a broader conversation on equality and social harmony.
Why Sant Ravidas’ teachings matter to students
Sant Ravidas Maharaj’s teachings emphasised equality, dignity and brotherhood while opposing social discrimination.
These values are also closely connected with the broader purpose of education. Equal opportunities, freedom from discrimination, mutual respect and social responsibility are important elements in creating an inclusive society.
The campaign therefore seeks to use Sant Ravidas Maharaj’s philosophy to engage students and young people on issues of equality, social harmony and responsible citizenship.
Ravindra Chavan links campaign with nation-building
Ravindra Chavan said participation from every section of society would be necessary to achieve the goal of making India a developed nation by 2047 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He also stressed the importance of taking the thoughts of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on social harmony to every section of society and strengthening the spirit of patriotism and national unity.
Who attended the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar programme?
The Kalash Yatra began from the Sant Ravidas Temple in Mukundwadi, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, followed by a Kalash Puja ceremony at Kasliwal Maidan.
BJP National General Secretary Dushyant Kumar Gautam, MLAs Narayan Kuche and Babanrao Lonikar, along with Anuradha Chavan, Kishan Wankhede, Santosh Danve, Madhavi Naik and Suhas Shirsaath, among others, attended the programme.
Representatives and saints associated with the Warkari, Lingayat, Veerashaiva, Nath, Mahanubhav and Vaishnav traditions were also present in large numbers.
‘Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan’ and the youth
The campaign comes with a broader message that education should go beyond examinations and degrees. Developing an understanding of equality, social harmony, constitutional values and civic responsibility among young people is equally important.
Through programmes across Maharashtra, the Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan aims to connect the younger generation with Sant Ravidas Maharaj’s message of social unity while placing equality, harmony and collective responsibility at the centre of the nation-building narrative.
