Jalandhar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday visited Dera Sachkhand Ballan, the largest religious centre of the Ravidasia community in Jalandhar, where he paid obeisance by touching the feet of Sant Niranjan Das and addressed devotees.
Addressing the gathering, Modi said his roots were connected to the birthplace of Sant Ravidas in Kashi. “Main Punjab di dharti nu naman karda haan (I bow to the land of Punjab),” he said, drawing applause from the congregation.
The Prime Minister highlighted the benefits Punjab has received in the Union Budget presented earlier in the day. Referring to a recent trade agreement with the European Union, he said textiles and other products manufactured in Punjab would now find greater access to European markets.
Modi addressed the programme for around 33 minutes, during which he recited three verses from the teachings of Sant Ravidas. He reiterated the Centre’s commitment to promoting the legacy of Sant Ravidas in Kashi (Varanasi), Madhya Pradesh and Punjab.
He also sought to reach out to the Valmiki community, recalling that the airport in Ayodhya has been named after Maharishi Valmiki as a mark of respect.
Speaking at the event, a representative of the Dera management said the community was deeply honoured by the Prime Minister’s visit, noting that it was the first time in the history of Dera Sachkhand Ballan that a sitting Prime Minister had visited the shrine.
Earlier in the day, Modi arrived from Delhi at Adampur Airport, where he formally announced the renaming of the airport as Sri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Ji Airport, Adampur. He later virtually inaugurated the international terminal at Halwara Airport.
