CHANDIGARH: Punjab Chief Minister  Parkash Singh Badal Friday exhorted the people of Punjab to follow the teachings of Bhagat Namdev ji who preached the mankind to rise above the petty considerations of Caste, Colour and Creed and strived hard through out his life to carve out an egalitarian society.

Addressing a religious congregation on the occasion of 737 th Parkash Utsav of Bhagat Namdev ji here at Namdev Bhawan, Badal said that the 5th Guru of Sikhs Guru Arjan Dev ji included the "Bani" of Bhagat Namdev ji in Sri Guru Granth Sahib to give due recognition to the saints of Bhakti movement. Mr. Badal also mentioned that it was a matter of great pride and honor for Punjabis as Bhagat Namdev ji lived for more than 20 years at village Ghuman to spread the message of universal brotherhood, righteousness and compassion among the humanity.

Responding to the demands put forth by the Namdev Sant Samaj, Mr. Badal announced to include their representative S. Jagdev Singh from Samana in the working committee of SAD. He also announced to set up skill training development centre at Mohali and name one of the Adarsh Schools to be set up in the state after Bhagat Namdev ji. Besides, Badal also announced a grant of Rs.5 lac for the development and expansion of local Bhagat Namdev Bhawan.