As parties rush to honour Guru Ravidas, revisiting his legacy of Dalit resistance in Punjab and beyond
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) initiated a nationwide campaign to commemorate Guru Ravidas's legacy at his birthplace in Varanasi, led by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. This effort comes seven months ahead of Ravidas's 650th birth anniversary and reflects his enduring influence on religious thought, social reform, and Dalit assertion, especially in Punjab. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also launched a year-long campaign in February to honor his contributions to equality and dignity of labor.