AI Generated Summary
- As the newly named Shri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji Airport begins operations under its updated title, it stands as a modern gateway infused with the enduring values of equality and compassion preached by the saint centuries ago.
- The announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 1, 2026, coinciding with the 649th birth anniversary (Jayanti) of the revered 15th-century saint and social reformer, Guru Ravidas (also known as Sant Ravidas or Guru Ravidass Ji).
- The recent renaming of Adampur Airport in Punjab’s Jalandhar district as Shri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji Airport, Adampur marks a significant cultural and symbolic development in India.
The recent renaming of Adampur Airport in Punjab’s Jalandhar district as Shri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji Airport, Adampur marks a significant cultural and symbolic development in India. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 1, 2026, coinciding with the 649th birth anniversary (Jayanti) of the revered 15th-century saint and social reformer, Guru Ravidas (also known as Sant Ravidas or Guru Ravidass Ji).
Historical Context of Adampur Airport
Adampur Airport (previously coded as IATA: AIP, ICAO: VIAX) is a dual-use facility serving both civilian and military purposes. It functions as a domestic airport for the Doaba region of Punjab, connecting cities like Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur, while also hosting an Indian Air Force base. Located near Adampur town, about 28 km from Jalandhar and 27 km from Hoshiarpur, the airport lies along National Highway 3.
The civil terminal, revamped at a cost of approximately ₹125 crore under the UDAN 5.0 scheme, resumed operations on March 31, 2025, after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It currently handles limited commercial flights, including services by Star Air (connecting to Nanded and Bengaluru via Hindon) and IndiGo (to Mumbai). The renaming aligns with broader efforts to enhance regional connectivity in Punjab, where major airports like Amritsar and Chandigarh are farther away.
The Significance of Guru Ravidas
Guru Ravidas, a prominent figure in the Bhakti movement, was born in the 15th century (traditionally celebrated on Magh Purnima). A poet, mystic, and social reformer from a humble background, he advocated for equality, compassion, human dignity, and the eradication of caste-based discrimination. His teachings, embodied in verses included in the Guru Granth Sahib, emphasize devotion, humility, and social harmony, principles that continue to inspire millions, particularly among the Ravidasia community and followers across India.
The renaming honors these timeless ideals, as highlighted in official statements from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and the government. PM Modi described the decision as a “matter of immense honour and pride,” noting that Guru Ravidas’s message of equality and service remains relevant to India’s social ethos.
The Announcement and Broader Event
On February 1, 2026, PM Modi visited Punjab and landed at the airport, where he unveiled the new name: Shri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji Airport, Adampur. The event was part of celebrations for Guru Ravidas Jayanti. He also virtually inaugurated the new civil terminal building at Halwara Airport in Ludhiana, further boosting Punjab’s aviation infrastructure.
The move fulfilled a long-pending demand from various political parties, community leaders, and the Ravidasia community. Efforts included resolutions from the Punjab government and advocacy in Parliament, such as by MP Dr. Raj Kumar Chabbewal, who raised the issue in Zero Hour sessions.
Reactions and Implications
The decision has been widely welcomed as a tribute to Guru Ravidas’s legacy and a gesture of cultural recognition. Supporters view it as a historic step promoting social harmony and honoring a saint whose teachings transcend divisions. It also reflects ongoing initiatives to name public infrastructure after revered figures from diverse backgrounds.
This renaming adds to a series of similar initiatives across India, where airports and other facilities are being rechristened to reflect regional heritage and icons. For the people of Punjab’s Doaba region, it not only elevates the airport’s identity but also symbolizes pride in their spiritual and cultural heritage.
As the newly named Shri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji Airport begins operations under its updated title, it stands as a modern gateway infused with the enduring values of equality and compassion preached by the saint centuries ago.
