Strategic Outreach: Modi Elevates Guru Ravidas in BJP's Cultural Framework to Fortify Social Cohesion

In a calculated move to reinforce social integration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has prominently incorporated Guru Ravidas into the BJP's cultural narrative. During a ceremony at Dera Sachkhand Ballan, coinciding with the naming of Adampur airport after the 15th-century poet-saint, Modi delivered a unifying message, asserting, 'Hum hain na' (We are here), directly assuring the saint's followers of governmental solidarity. This action transcends mere symbolic gesture; it represents a deliberate strategy to embed Ravidas's egalitarian philosophy within the party's ideological framework. By positioning Ravidas alongside Lord Ram and other revered figures in what observers term the 'saffron tent of lodestars,' the administration aims to deepen its connection with diverse communities while broadening its cultural appeal. Modi's declaration that these efforts 'will continue to strengthen the roots of our society' underscores a long-term vision for social harmony. Analysts interpret this as a multifaceted approach: honoring a historical reformer championing equality, consolidating political support among marginalized groups, and projecting an inclusive national identity. The timing on Ravidas's birth anniversary amplifies its resonance, signaling the BJP's intent to weave traditional social reformers into its governance model as pillars of unity and cultural continuity.