On Thursday, his followers gifted a gold palanquin to the temple in Sir Govardhan village, where the saint is believed to have been born in the 15th century.

The palanquin, fashioned by artisans in Jalandhar and funded by Dalit NRIs, especially those living in Europe, was unveiled by UP Chief Minister Mayawati at a grand function near the temple.

“It is a warm gift from those who believe in the ideals of universal brotherhood and social equality set by the 15th century saint,” Mayawati said during her 40-minute stay at the venue. A large number of devotees from Punjab were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, which included Dalit NRIs in large numbers, the BSP supremo said: “Even six decades after Independence, the country was yet to fully imbibe the teachings of Guru Ravidas. It was to implement his teachings that BSP founder Kanshiram formed the party on April 15, 1984.”

“Humari Sarkar Ravidasji ke sapno ko puri tarah sakar karne ke liye kaam kar rahi hai, jis se har pichre ko roti, kapda aur makan mil sake (Our government is trying its best to provide basic necessities to the Dalits),” Mayawati said. “Guruji’s belief was based on Bahujan Hitai Sarvajan Sukhai, which is the guiding mantra of my government,” she added.

Attempting to strike a chord with the saint’s followers, both from north India and abroad, Mayawati said: “Guruji’s vision was furthered by Chhatrapati Sahuji Maharaj, Bhim Rao Ambedkar, Kanshiram and his legacy is now being preserved and promoted by my government in UP.”

“It was Guru Ravidas who contributed 40 hymns to the Guru Granth Sahib,” she said to rapturous applause by her audience from Punjab. Mayawati also said: “Guru Ravidas believed in Sarva Dharma Sambhava (universal brotherhood), which is why he also envisioned the welfare of one and all, including converted Sikhs, Christians, Parsis and Buddhists. The same principle is the guiding light of the BSP regime.”

Enlisting the initiatives taken by her government in 1997 to elevate Guru Ravidas, Mayawati said many initiatives were announced, including the naming of the bridge over Ganga river after the guru, establishing a Ravidas Park in Varanasi, the Ravidas SC/ST training centre, the Ravidas Polytechnic at Chandauli, naming Bhadohi as Sant Ravidas Nagar and instituting the Ravidas Puraskar.

Some initiatives, however, could not be completed due to the apathy of non-BSP governments in the state: “I will complete the pending projects now,” she said.