Jalandhar: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday laid the foundation stone of the Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Bani Adhyayan Centre at Dera Sachkhand Ballan, marking a major initiative to preserve, study and spread the teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj.
The centre will be developed across 10.4 acres at an estimated overall cost of ₹37 crore. Of this, ₹11 crore has already been spent on land acquisition, while ₹60 lakh has been allocated for necessary permissions. The Punjab Government will bear the entire construction cost of the centre.
Centre to Provide Facilities for Students and Researchers
The Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Bani Adhyayan Centre will provide a dedicated academic and research space for children, students and scholars to study the life, philosophy and sacred Bani of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj.
The proposed infrastructure includes:
- A three-storey Administration and Teaching Block
- Three-storey boys’ and girls’ hostels
- Accommodation for 54 students in each hostel
- A two-storey residential block for teachers and other faculty members
- Approximately 96,500 square feet of total covered area
The centre is intended to promote research into the teachings and philosophy of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji and help take his message of equality, humanity and dignity to people across the world.
₹100 Crore Allocated for 650th Parkash Purab Celebrations
The foundation stone ceremony is part of the Punjab Government’s year-long celebrations marking the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj.
The state government has allocated ₹100 crore for the celebrations.
As part of the programme, 50 mobile vans are travelling across all 23 districts of Punjab to screen documentaries based on Guru Ji’s life, philosophy and teachings.
The campaign aims to reach around 13,000 villages across the state and spread the message of equality, humanity and dignity.
CM Mann Highlights Importance of Education
Speaking at the event, CM Bhagwant Mann said the establishment of the centre was a matter of pride and an expression of the state’s respect and reverence for Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj.
He also emphasised the importance of education in addressing poverty and social challenges.
Mann said education can help people improve their standard of living and break the cycle of poverty, adding that his government is working to strengthen the education system and empower common families.
Punjab Tops School Education Rankings, Says Mann
The Chief Minister highlighted the state’s performance in school education and said Punjab has made significant progress in recent years.
According to Mann, the latest figures released by NITI Aayog show Punjab has surpassed Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi to secure the top position in primary and middle-school education.
He said Punjab had been ranked 27th in school education when he assumed office, but the state has now moved to the number one position.
Mann described education as a key tool for empowering future generations and building a prosperous Punjab.
Government School Students’ NEET Performance Improves
CM Mann also highlighted the rising number of government school students qualifying for the NEET examination.
According to him:
- 80 students from government schools qualified for NEET in 2021.
- The number increased to 881 students in 2026.
- This is the highest-ever NEET qualification figure achieved by Punjab Government schools, according to the Chief Minister.
Mann said government schools are being transformed into educational hubs, with the government focusing on providing quality education and equal opportunities to students from economically weaker families.
CM Mann Receives Blessings from Sant Niranjan Dass
During the programme, CM Bhagwant Mann also spoke about his interaction with the Sant Samaj.
He said he was fortunate to receive the blessings of Padam Shri Sant Niranjan Dass Ji, who was recently honoured with the Padma Shri and was present at the event.
Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and MLA Balkar Singh welcomed the dignitaries during the foundation stone ceremony.
