JAMMU: The Shri Guru Ravi Dass Sabha, Bahu Fort, Jammu, on Friday organized a gathering to pay heartfelt tributes to Sant Sukhdev Ji Maharaj, the former National President of the All India Ravidassia Dharam Sangathan (Regd.), who passed away on June 21 at Chandigarh. Members of the Sabha fondly remembered him as a visionary saint, dedicated social reformer, and an unwavering champion of the teachings of Sant Shiromani Shri Guru Ravi Dass Ji Maharaj.
The Sabha shared that Sant Sukhdev Ji Maharaj was cremated with full religious honors at Katraj, Pune, drawing saints and devotees from various states and Union Territories to pay their final respects. It was further announced that his 10th-day religious observance (Daswan) is scheduled for July 1, 2026, at Katraj, Pune, where followers and saints from across the nation will gather to offer their homage.
Lifelong Struggle for Social Justice and Equality
Addressing the attendees, Sham Lal Basson, General Secretary of Shri Guru Ravi Dass Sabha, Bahu Fort, Jammu, and President of the All J&K Dalit Chetna Manch, described Sant Sukhdev Ji Maharaj as a great visionary who devoted his entire life to social justice and propagating spiritual teachings.
Basson recalled several defining aspects of the spiritual leader’s journey:
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Historic Leadership: He highlighted the saint’s significant contributions during the public agitation for the Shri Guru Ravi Dass Temple at Tughlakabad, Delhi, which inspired thousands of followers nationwide.
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Global Outreach: The saint traveled extensively across India and multiple countries abroad to spread the message of humanity, equality, and brotherhood enshrined in the Amritvani of Shri Guru Ravi Dass Ji Maharaj.
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Key Alliances: He maintained a close association with Amar Shaheed Sant Ramanand Ji Maharaj and Bahujan leader Kanshi Ram, connecting with Kanshi Ram from a very young age.
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Regional Impact: He visited Jammu and Kashmir on multiple occasions to actively champion social harmony and spiritual awakening.
A Legacy of Upliftment and Awareness
Dr. Vijay Shivgotra, President of the Shri Guru Ravi Dass Sabha, Bahu Fort, Jammu, presented the vote of thanks and paid rich tributes to the saint’s relentless struggle for religious awareness and social equality. Adding to this, Pathi M.L. Banalia and Prof. Chaman Lal Shivgotra recalled his immense contributions toward the socio-economic and spiritual upliftment of society and the Ravidassia community.
The assembly collectively emphasized that the spiritual leader’s dedication to building an inclusive society serves as a guiding light for future generations.
A large number of prominent community members paid floral tributes during the service, including C.L. Banal (Retd. IGP) and Chairman of the Shri Guru Ravi Dass S.S. Trust Sikanderpur Jammu, alongside Parshotam Thapa, Sham Kalsi, Vikas Kalsi, Pathi Bodh Raj Banalia, Pathi Ramesh Chander, Mahesh Shivgotra, Dr. Buti Ram, Lalit Bhardwaj, Raj Bogia, Suraj Pap Bogia, Moti Ram Angral, Suresh Bangotra, Capt. Abhey Ram, Ravi Kumar Thapa, Makhan Ji, Sham Lal Hans, and Kasturi Lal.
