3rd Annual National Seminar on Guru Ravidas Jayanti, titled "Concept of Bhagti in the Bani of Guru Ravidas Ji" 

Chandigarh, January 30, 2026: Panjab University, Chandigarh Guru Ravidas Chair of Sant Sahitya Studies organized ita 3rd Annual National Seminar on Guru Ravidas Jayanti, titled "Concept of Bhagti in the Bani of Guru Ravidas Ji," under the esteemed chairmanship of Prof. Parmjit Kaur. This distinguished event served as a profound tribute to the life, teachings, and enduring contributions of the revered saint, philosopher, and poet, Guru Ravidas.
Guru Ravi Das Chair of Sant Sahitya Studies is set up to study and research on various aspects of the life, work and teachings of the mystic poet, thinker and philosopher of 15th century Bhakti Movement, Guru Ravi Das. Often given the honorific title of 'bhagat' or 'saint', Guru Ravi Das is attributed with a large body of hymns, verses and poems that speak of universal brotherhood, tolerance, socialism, secularism, equality and breaking of caste and gender-based hierarchies. Special emphasis is also laid on the study and research of Medieval Indian Sant Sahitya. 
By conducting the seminar every year, the Chair encourages subject specific as well as comparative study and research of all Medieval Indian literature. The seminar has not merely an event but a celebration of Guru Ravidas Ji's enduring legacy, highlighting the profound impact of his teachings on spirituality, literature, and social cohesion.
The seminar commenced with warm welcome by Prof. Parmjit Kaur, Chairperson of the Guru Ravidas Chair and University Business School at Panjab University, Chandigarh, whose unwavering dedication and leadership united scholars to gain rich insights and expert perspectives, enabling them to enhance the quality and effectiveness of their research contributions. Ma’am has quoted guru ravidas ji bani and said ਰਾਜੇਇੰਦ੍ਰਸਮਸਰਿਗ੍ਰਿਹਆਸਨਬਿਨੁਹਰਿਭਗਤਿਕਹਹੁਕਿਹਲੇਖੈ , which means Even if someone possesses magnificence like King Indra, grand palaces, and a high position or authority, yet lacks devotion to God. Then all these things do not have any true value. They all are useless. She talked about the teachings of Guru Ravidas Ji and told the students to learn from his teachings. He inspired the people through his simple life and powerful teachings. She also emphasized the Gurbani quoted by Guru Ravidas Ji and said ਮਨਚੰਗਾਤੋਕਠੌਤੀਵਿਚਿਗੰਗਾ which means If the mind is pure, even a small bowl holds the sacred Ganga.She said that Guru Ravidas Ji's ideology reshaped societal norms, challenged oppressive systems, and inspired people to live with dignity, devotion, and equality. His teachings continue to influence movements for social justice, spiritual growth, and human rights across the world.
Guru Ravidas Jayanti is not merely an occasion for celebration; it is an invitation to delve into the depths of his teachings and integrate them into our lives. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world. Today’s modern human being has made remarkable progress. Numerous inventions have been created to make human life more organized and comfortable. However, while humans are achieving increasing success at the material level, they are becoming equally unsuccessful at the spiritual level. Fear, anger, restlessness, and stress are growing dominant in human life. To overcome this fear and stress, we have the invaluable teachings and sacred verses of the Gurus and saints, through which human life can flow in a balanced and harmonious manner.
To reflect on the teachings of Guru Ravidas is to engage with a tradition where devotion becomes a form of resistance, and spirituality becomes a pathway to justice. On the occasion of Ravidas Jayanti, remembering his teachings calls upon us not only to revere his hymns, but to embody their ethical force in our social and intellectual lives.
She proudly informed that Guru Ravi Das Chair OF SANT SAHITYA STUDIES is a research centre where students can pursue their Phd research work under the language faculty from Hindi, English, Panjabi and Sanskrit department.The main focus of this research centre is to honour the teachings, ideology and legacy of Guru Ravidas ji.
The esteemed presence of Chief Guest Hussan Lal, Principal Secretary to Govt. of Punjab (Retd.) graced the occasion. The audience was highly inspired by his enlightening words on the teachings of Guru Ravidas Ji. He shared his inspiring academic journey, stating that he began his education as an engineering student and later transitioned into the civil services where he read the richness of Punjabi literature. He warmly appreciated the research scholars for their academic commitment and appreciate Chairperson Parmjit Kaur for her dedicated efforts in sustaining and strengthening the Guru Ravidas Chair of Sant Sahitya Studies, emphasizing its importance in preserving and promoting saint literature.His motivational address resonated deeply with the attendees, particularly the students and young professionals, encouraging them to pursue their goals with a sense of purpose and responsibility towards the nation. 
The Keynote Address was delivered by Prof. Sarabjeet Singh, Professor, Department of Panjabi, Panjab University, Chandigarh, who provided profound philosophical insights into the concept of bhakti as reflected in the bani of Guru Ravidas Ji. He also said that the initiative should be taken through publishing book with articles by renowned researchers so that the research scholars can take guidance and idea for making their quality research.He highlighted the linguistic sweetness, simplicity, and humility in Gurbani wrote by him.Furthermore, he emphasized the scholarly need to focus on the bani of Guru Ravidas Ji beyond the Guru Granth Sahib.
Prof. Yojna Rawat, Dean of University Instructions PU, CHD., graced the occasion and shared their insightful thoughts with research scholars. She spoke about the inspirational power of Gurbani, highlighting how its teachings continue to motivate people and guide scholars by offering moral strength, spiritual insight, and intellectual inspiration for meaningful research and reflection.
The Guest of Honour, Prof. Yograj Angrish, Chairman, Department of Punjabi, Panjab University, Chandigarh, suggested several relevant topics that would be beneficial for research scholars in their academic pursuits. He also emphasized that the present time calls for the practical application of the teachings of great saints, philosophers, and poets, whose ideas remain highly relevant for addressing contemporary social and moral challenges.
Dr. Parveen Kumar, Department of Punjabi, CDOE, Panjab University, Chandigarh, also graced the event as guest of honour and shared their scholarly perspectives on the literary, social, and ideological dimensions of Bhagat Ravidas Ji’s bani. He congratulated and appreciated the Chairperson and organising committee for the continuous and consistent conduct of such seminars, acknowledging their sustained efforts in promoting academic discourse and scholarly engagement.
After tea break, the Technical Session was conducted which is chaired by Prof. Gurpal Singh, Prof. Amandeep Kaur, and Dr. Ravinder Kaur, during which scholars presented their research papers and received valuable feedback and expert insights, fostering meaningful academic interaction and intellectual enrichment.
The seminar concluded with their valedictory remarks and certificate distribution, marking the event as a significant academic contribution toward understanding the spiritual and social philosophy of Bhagat Ravidas Ji. Prof. Parmjit Kaur delivered vote of thanks on behalf of Chair to all the members of organising committee Prof. Tejinder Pal, UBS, PU Chd., Dr. Parveen Kumar,CDOE, PU Chd., Dr. Sucha Singh,CDOE, PU, Chd., and Ramesh Kumar, Superintendent of Guru Ravidas Chair, research scholars and participants for making the event successful. The seminar concluded with a delightful lunch.