Maharashtra–Punjab Spiritual Bond Strengthened: Mayor Ravi Landge

Pimpri-Chinchwad: The inclusion of the abhangas (devotional verses) of Sant Namdev in the Sikh holy scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, along with the compositions of other saints from the Bhakti tradition, stands as a living testimony to the spiritual and cultural bond between Maharashtra and Punjab. This shared cultural heritage, which conveys the message of devotion, equality, and humanity, binds both states together and serves as a beautiful example of national unity, stated Pimpri-Chinchwad Mayor Ravi Landge.

Eighteen members who participated in a five-day study tour to Ghuman, Punjab, organized by the Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Santpeeth run by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, were felicitated at the hands of the Mayor in the Late Mayor Madhukar Paware Hall of the municipal corporation. He was speaking on this occasion.

Historic Hindi Kirtan at Sant Namdev Temple, Ghuman

During the study tour, the delegation visited Ghuman International Public School, Baba Namdevji Government Degree College, and Baba Aya Singh Riarki College. At the Sant Namdev Maharaj Temple in Ghuman, Santpeeth Director H.B.P. Raju Maharaj Dhore performed a kirtan service in Hindi on the abhang “Tu Agadh Vaikunthanayaka | Tere Charano Mera Matha ||”.

Following the Warkari tradition of Maharashtra, this marked the first-ever Hindi kirtan service conducted inside the original temple at Ghuman. Earlier, in 1970, H.B.P. Dnyaneshwar Mauli Dehukar–Pandharpur Phad had organized a week-long religious discourse in front of the temple. After that, this was the first time such a kirtan service was organized through the Santpeeth, making it particularly noteworthy.

Message of National Unity

Mayor Landge further stated that the teachings of saints strengthen unity, brotherhood, and harmony in society. Preserving this invaluable tradition and passing it on to future generations is our collective responsibility. Study tours organized through the Santpeeth will enhance cultural exchange and further strengthen the bond between Maharashtra and Punjab.

On this occasion, Deputy Commissioner and Santpeeth Chief Executive Officer Sandeep Khot, Education Officer and Santpeeth Secretary Sangeeta Bangar, Santpeeth Director Dr. Swati Mule, Director H.B.P. Raju Maharaj Dhore, Principal Dr. Dnyaneshwar Gadge, along with Santpeeth members, teachers, and staff were present.

“The inclusion of Sant Namdev Maharaj’s abhangas in the Sikh scripture Guru Granth Sahib is a living testimony to the spiritual unity between Maharashtra and Punjab. The message of devotion, equality, and humanity conveyed through the teachings of saints binds both states together. Preserving this rich saint tradition and passing it on to the next generation is our collective responsibility. The study tour to Ghuman will further strengthen cultural exchange and reinforce the message of national unity.”

— Ravi Landge, Mayor, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune.