The event, which celebrated the saint’s timeless message of equality and compassion, also marked the laying of the foundation stone for the Maharashtra Sadan in Ghuman — a project aimed at strengthening cultural ties between Maharashtra and Punjab

Receiving the award, Shinde said, “I have received many honours in my life, but this one is truly special because it carries the love of the people and the blessings of the saintly tradition”

He described the day as spiritually significant, adding, “This morning I had the divine darshan of Lord Vitthal-Pandurang in Pandharpur, and by evening, I was blessed with Babaji’s darshan here in Ghuman — a divine coincidence”

Praising Sant Namdev Maharaj’s universal teachings, Shinde said the saint “rose above caste and religion” and exemplified humility and love

“The story of Namdev Maharaj chasing after a dog that ran away with his bread, carrying a bowl of ghee so that the dog could enjoy it properly, remains an eternal lesson in humanity,” he said