Hatred, violence being fanned, beliefs ofSant Ravidas most relevant today: PGV

Varanasi: Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said the teachings of 14th century saint Ravidas and his dream of a society without any discrimination on basis of caste and religion are most relevant and needed today when hatred and violence are being fanned.
Attending the 643rd birth anniversary celebration of Sant Ravidas at his birthplace in Seer Gowardhanpur area on Sunday afternoon, Priyanka utilised the opportunity to target the government without making a mention.
“Sant Ravidas dreamt of a society where everyone is equal and honoured. Our Constitution is also based on the same philosophy and this should be the practice in country. No differences should be created on religion or caste basis,” she said in her brief address.
“Sant Ravidas taught that Ram and Rahim are not different. We all are creation of one god and hence there should be no difference on basis of caste and creed. He dreamt of a place like Begumpura where everyone is honoured and live without any discrimination,” she said adding that his teachings should be spread in society today when hatred and violence are being fanned.
Earlier, Priyanka reached Ravidas temple amid tight security and was felicitated by Mahant Sant Niranjan Das on the dais. She garlanded the statue of Sant Ravidas at his birthplace and then visited main lobby of the temple. She also joined seers and dignitaries for ‘prasad’ at the langar (community kitchen) and left for airport after spending an hour at the temple. The Seer Gowardhanpur area was flooded with followers of Sant Ravidas.
Earlier, Priyanka was accorded a warm welcome by UP Congress president Ajay Singh Lallu, former minister Ajay Rai, party’s city unit chief Raghvendra Chaubey at LBS International airport.
The temple of Sant Ravidas has been attracting many politicians. In 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal attended Ravidas Jayanti celebrations.
Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi also visited the temple in November 2011. Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati had addressed a huge gathering on Ravidas Jayanti in 2008 in the capacity of chief minister.
Sant Ravidas, born in Varanasi, was a leading figure of the Bhakti Movement and is revered in Buddhism, Sikhism and Hinduism. He left behind a great legacy and a 21st century cult called Ravidassia follows his teachings.