BIOGRAPHY OF SHRI GURU RAVIDASSJI

SHRI GURU RAVIDASS JI was born in the fifteenth century at KANSHI (BANARAS) in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India. His birthday comes every year at PURAN MASHI in the month of MAGH. His mother's name was MATA KALSI JI and his father's name was BABA SANTOKH DASS JI.

Guru Ravidass Ji was born in a humble family which was considered untouchable as per the social order prevailing at that time in Hindu society. Guru Ji spearheaded the fight against man-made discrimination based on caste, colour or creed and preached the lofty ideas of socialism, secularism, equality and fraternity.

From very childhood, he was very much devoted to worship Real God. The caste Brahmans created many problems for him. Guru Ji had to appear before King Nagarmal so many times. In the end, the King was convinced and became a follower of Guru Ravidass Ji.

Guru Ravidass Ji taught the lessons of universal brotherhood, tolerance, message of love your neighbour, which got more importance in today's world.

Guru Ravidass Ji fulfilled Guru Nanak Dev Ji's request by donating old manuscripts, which contained a collection of Guru Ravidass Ji's verses and poems. The earliest collection of these poems are available in Sri Guru Granth Sahib. It was compiled by Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Guru of the Sikhs. There are 41 verses of Guru Ravidass Ji in the Sikh Holy Book, Guru Granth Sahib.

It is said that Guru Ravidass Ji disappeared from the world, leaving behind only his footprints. Some believe that Guru Ravidass Ji lived in banaras during his last days, dying a natural death at the age of 126 years.

			The Government of India issued a commemorative stamp on Shri Guru Ravidass Ji. This commemorative stamp was presented to the Guru Ravidass Sabha, Vancouver, and is enshrined with honor and pride at the Guru Ravidass Community Center. The commemorative postage stamp was conceived and designed by Alka Sharma, based on a painting by Phoolan Rani. It is produced by Department of Posts, India.