Sant Raidas’ Relevance in 21st Century India

This discussion is part of a series named Book Baithak, a collaboration between The AIDEM and Ka The Art Cafe, Varanasi, which focuses on discussing books and authors relevant to contemporary India.

Sant Raidas, also known as Sant Ravidas, was a 15th-century saint, poet, and social reformer who played a pivotal role in the Bhakti movement in North India. His teachings on equality, universal brotherhood, and social justice has become more important in 21st-century India. His hymns are included in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, and he is a central figure in the Ravidassia religious movement.

Sadanand Shahi, a poet, has translated the poetry of Sant Raidas into modern Hindi in his book “Mere Raam Ka Rang Majeeth Hai”. Shahi’s work preserves the spiritual and philosophical depth of Raidas’ poetry and brings it to life for a new generation.