PM Modi pays tribute to social reformer Sant Sevalal Maharaj on his birth anniversary

There is currently no official confirmation as of March 26, 2026, that Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Sant Sevalal Maharaj on his birth anniversary. Despite the lack of formal acknowledgment from the central government, the day remains significant for many people, especially the Banjara community. Sant Sevalal Maharaj was born on February 15, 1739, in a small village called Surgondankoppa, which is located in Karnataka. He is remembered as a socio-religious reformer, someone who worked to bring positive change within society and promote spiritual values. The Banjara community, also known as Gor Banjara, highly reveres him as a spiritual guru. His teachings emphasize the importance of social harmony, unity among different groups, and working for the welfare of all. Every year, on February 15, the Banjara community celebrates the birth anniversary of Sant Sevalal Maharaj. This is a special day for the community to remember his life, teachings, and the work he did to improve their society. The celebration often includes prayers, cultural programs, and processions to honor his memory. In 2026, the celebration took on additional significance when Telangana's Chief Minister, K. Chandrashekar Rao, extended greetings to the community on this day. During his speech, he praised Sevalal Maharaj’s teachings, which focus on social harmony and brotherhood. He also mentioned the government’s efforts to support the welfare programs created specifically for the Banjara community. These programs are designed to improve the lives of Banjara people by providing better education, health services, and employment opportunities. The significance of Sant Sevalal Maharaj is also recognized at the national level. In 2023, the Indian government marked the 284th birth anniversary of Sant Sevalal Maharaj with a series of events that lasted throughout the year. Such celebrations aim to honor the spiritual and social contributions made by Sevalal Maharaj. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, a senior government official, led some of these events in New Delhi, the capital city. His participation showed that the government acknowledged the importance of Sevalal Maharaj’s legacy and the role of the Banjara community in India’s diverse tapestry. There is a museum dedicated to the Banjara community called the Banjara Virasat Museum, located in Maharashtra. The museum was set up with the purpose of preserving and promoting the culture and history of the Banjara people. Inside the museum, visitors can see a large statue of Sant Sevalal Maharaj. The museum also hosts daily shows and displays historical exhibits that tell about the community’s traditions, lifestyle, and history. It acts as an educational center where people can learn about Sevalal Maharaj’s teachings and the cultural heritage of the Banjara community. Sant Sevalal Maharaj died on December 4, 1806. He was buried in Poharadevi, in Maharashtra, where his samadhi, or final resting place, is located. His samadhi is next to a temple dedicated to Goddess Jagadamba, a revered deity in the community. This place continues to be a site of pilgrimage where members of the Banjara community and others come to pay their respects and seek blessings. The celebration of Sant Sevalal Maharaj’s birth anniversary highlights the ongoing importance of his teachings and legacy in the lives of the Banjara community. It is a reminder of the values he promoted, such as social unity, spiritual growth, and community welfare. Even in years when there is no official recognition, his influence remains strong among his followers, who keep alive his memory through prayers, cultural events, and community activities. This ongoing respect for Sevalal Maharaj shows how influential his life and teachings continue to be across generations.