At a time when the society was under the control of the elite and all social activities and the benefits thereof were directed towards them and upper castes of society, to think of the welfare and interests of thedepressed and the underprivilegedand to take concrete steps for the establishment of an egalitarian social and religious system was a symbol of talent andsagacity much ahead of one's own time. GuruGhasidas was a connoisser of all these and he did this marvel between 1820-1837 in Chhattisgarh. GuruGhasidas prpounded the religion, simple in its cannons, which the common man could easily understand and adopt throughout his lifetime. His 'Panth' became very popular amongst the poor, rural farm labourers, poor farmers and exploited harijans. Guru Ghasidas was born on 18th December, 1756 in Girod a small village in Sona Khan, a state rich in forest. His father's name was Mahangu Das and his mother's Amarbatin Bai. He belonged to a poor family. He was deeply involved in the hardships of the poor and was very much moved by the miserable condition of the poor. He felt deeply hurt and destressed by the atrocities and inhuman treatment being meted out to them. Once he set out for a pilgrimage to Jagganath Puri being destressed with the social and religious systems. On the way to Jagganath Puri from Girod he attained enlightenment at Sarangarh. After that he stopped farming and started penance. He used to do penance under a tendu tree on a hill top about one kilometer away from Girod. Even today this is a religious place for his folowers. Guru Ghasidas did not get any formal evolution. He have a very attractive personality.

He was very kind hearted, sensitive, quite and a dreamer. He became very popular for his perpicacity. Guru Ghasidas was the founder of Satnam sect. This sect does not recognise casteism and idolity. He preached oneness of God in its infinite form. He defined that God is supreme, eternal, imperceptible and infinite. In the 19th century, Guru Ghasidas created self-confidence amongst the depressed sectrions of society for their fight against injustice and untouchability. They started establishing their own identity and courage to fight against injustice.

Guru Ghasidas propagated the sound of 'Satnam', enlightened millions of depressed and disheartened people with the spell of confidence, faith and meaningful life.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India