President Pranab Mukherjee Thursday greeted the nation on the occasion of Guru Ravidas Jayanti.
"The life and work of Guru Ravidasji are of direct relevance to our aspirations to build a more just and egalitarian society," the president said.
"The guru (leader) showed people how to cast away parochialism and prejudice."
Mukherjee said Ravidas taught that one was distinguished by one's actions, not by caste.
"Let us derive inspiration from his teachings and rededicate ourselves to India's glorious tradition of peace, brotherhood and compassion."