Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan has launched the ‘Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan’ in the state as part of nationwide programmes marking the 650th birth anniversary year of Sant Ravidas Maharaj.
The campaign was launched in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar with a focus on promoting social harmony, equality, fraternity and national unity. The initiative is part of the BJP’s wider nationwide campaign commemorating Sant Ravidas and highlighting his teachings.
Campaign Inspired by Sant Ravidas’ Teachings
The Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan seeks to take the message and teachings of Sant Ravidas to communities across Maharashtra.
Sant Ravidas is remembered for his emphasis on equality, human dignity, devotion and social harmony. His teachings challenged discrimination and encouraged people to look beyond caste-based divisions.
The Maharashtra campaign aims to use these ideals to encourage greater social unity and fraternity.
Sacred Soil to Travel Across Maharashtra
A key feature of the campaign is the symbolic distribution of sacred soil from Sant Ravidas’ birthplace in Seer Govardhanpur, Varanasi.
The soil is being carried as part of the wider national campaign and will reach different parts of Maharashtra. The initiative is intended to connect communities with Sant Ravidas’ birthplace while spreading his message of social harmony.
Across India, the BJP has planned the distribution of sacred soil through 131 ceremonial urns, with programmes being organised at thousands of locations during the campaign period.
Focus on Equality and Social Unity
Speaking during the Maharashtra launch, Ravindra Chavan urged people to rise above caste and religious divisions and emphasised the importance of nationalism and social unity.
The campaign’s central message is built around the idea that society can progress when people move beyond discrimination and work together.
The BJP has described the nationwide initiative as an effort to take forward Sant Ravidas’ message of equality, dignity, social justice and harmony.
Nationwide Campaign Runs Until February 2027
The Maharashtra programme forms part of a larger nationwide Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan launched by the BJP to mark Sant Ravidas’ 650th birth anniversary year.
The nationwide campaign began on July 29, 2026, coinciding with Guru Purnima, and is scheduled to continue until February 20, 2027, the occasion of Sant Ravidas Jayanti.
The programme will include several phases and activities across different states.
These include:
- Kalash Vandana programmes
- Sant Sampark Abhiyan
- Social harmony meetings
- Cultural and religious programmes
- Samrasta Yatra
- Hostel outreach programmes
- Community-level events
According to the BJP, the campaign is expected to reach thousands of locations across the country.
Sant Ravidas’ Message of ‘Begumpura’
One of the important ideas associated with Sant Ravidas is ‘Begumpura’, an ideal society free from suffering, discrimination and social inequality.
His teachings have continued to influence generations and are particularly associated with ideas of social equality, devotion and human dignity.
The BJP has said that the campaign will seek to bring these principles to the public through community programmes and outreach activities.
Maharashtra Becomes Part of a Wider National Outreach
The launch in Maharashtra comes after the BJP began its nationwide campaign from Sant Ravidas’ birthplace in Seer Govardhanpur, Varanasi.
The national programme includes the movement of sacred soil from the birthplace to different states and districts. Other states have also begun organising their own programmes under the campaign.
The campaign is expected to continue through the coming months, with religious, cultural and social programmes planned across the country.
Why the Campaign Matters
Sant Ravidas’ teachings continue to have relevance in discussions around social equality and inclusion.
By highlighting his message, the Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan aims to encourage people to work towards a society based on mutual respect and dignity rather than social divisions.
In Maharashtra, the campaign led by Ravindra Chavan is expected to bring these themes to communities across the state through local programmes and outreach initiatives.
Final Thoughts
The launch of the Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan in Maharashtra marks another phase of the BJP’s nationwide programme commemorating Sant Ravidas’ 650th birth anniversary year.
Led by Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan, the campaign places emphasis on social harmony, equality, fraternity and national unity, while using the symbolic journey of sacred soil from Varanasi to connect communities with Sant Ravidas’ legacy.
As the nationwide campaign continues until February 2027, programmes across Maharashtra and other states are expected to keep the saint’s message of equality and social harmony at the centre of public outreach.
