A street in New York City has been officially renamed "Shri Guru Ravidass Marg" during a ceremony held outside the Shri Guru Ravidass Temple in Woodside on Sept.15.
The event marked a significant recognition of Guru Ravidass, a 14th-century Sikh poet and social reformer renowned for his teachings on equality and social justice.
New York City Council Member Shekar Krishnan, who represents District 25, including Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, and Woodside, highlighted the significance of the renaming. "The renaming of a street for Guru Ravidass is deeply meaningful for the communities I represent," he said.
The renaming of a street for Guru Ravidass is deeply meaningful for the communities I represent, and for me as the 1st Indian and 1st Hindu elected to NYC government. “Shri Guru Ravidass Marg" honors a poet-saint revered by Dalits and Sikhs around the world. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/YCAiY5UuMR
— Shekar Krishnan (@voteshekar) September 18, 2024
Krishnan, the first Indian-American elected to the New York City Council, emphasized the importance of the street's location near the Shri Guru Ravidass Temple, calling it "a permanent reminder that in NYC, all peoples deserve recognition, celebration, and dignity, regardless of religion or caste."
The Shri Guru Ravidass Temple, established in 1987, has been a focal point for the local community. Balbir Ram Rattan, national general secretary of Shri Guru Ravidass Vishwa Mahapeeth, noted the significance of the event from a global perspective. “It brings me immense pride to see a street in America named after Guru Ravidass,” Rattan told the Views Today News.
“This honor is not only for Guru Ravidass but also for his followers and for India, where he was born. Guru Ravidass’s teachings aimed at social reform and justice, and this renaming reflects his enduring legacy,” he added.
Rattan further emphasized the worldwide impact of Guru Ravidass's message. “Our followers have established temples and schools in various countries,” he added. “This recognition in New York City underscores the global reach of Guru Ravidass’s teachings and his influence across different communities.”
The ceremony was organized by Shri Guru Ravidas Sabha of New York, with additional support from the Begumpura Cultural Society.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login