Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday visited the Sant Ravidas temple and offered prayers, and also unveiled a statue of Sant Ravidas inside the temple premises, news agency ANI reported. PM Modi along with UP CM Yogi Adityanath paid a floral tribute to Sant Guru Ravidas in Varanasi. Speaking at the gathering, PM Modi stated: "Caste bias is destroying the humanity."
He stated: "Ravidas ji calls me to his janmabhoomi again and again. I receive the opportunity to take forward his resolutions and the opportunity to serve lakhs of his followers. On Guru's 'janmteerth', serving all of his followers is nothing short of a fortune for me."
"As the MP, the public representative of Varanasi, it is my special responsibility to welcome you all to Varanasi and take speacial care of your facilities - this is my duty. I am happy that I have received the opportunity to fulfill my duty on this holy day. For the development of Varanasi, launching and foundation laying of development projects of hundreds of crores of Rupees is going to take place. This will make the journey of devotees here," he further stated.
In his speech, Prime Minister Modi remarked, "Throughout India's history, whenever the nation faces challenges, it has witnessed the birth of revered saints, sages, or remarkable individuals. Saint Ravidas ji emerged as a prominent figure during the Bhakti movement, revitalizing a fragmented and feeble India."
PM Modi praised Sant Ravidas for emphasising the significance of freedom to society and for his efforts in uniting communities across social lines.
"He spoke out against issues such as high caste, untouchability, and discrimination," the Prime Minister stated.
PM Modi expressed that his administration is advancing Sant Ravidas' principles, affirming that the "BJP government serves all, and its schemes are inclusive."
"Today, the ethos of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Effort' has become the guiding principle to engage with the entire 1.4 billion population," he added.
PM Modi emphasised that achieving equality necessitates prioritising marginalised communities.
He stated that over the past decade, efforts have been directed towards addressing the needs of those who were previously excluded from mainstream development.
"Previously, the impoverished, often relegated to the sidelines, are now the primary beneficiaries of major government initiatives," he remarked.