Ghasidas

Guru Ghasi Das (1756–1850CE) was an advocate of the Satnami sect of Hinduism in the early 19th century. Ghasi Das was a farmer in Girodpuri, Raipur district who preached Satnam to a number of low-caste Indians, particularly the people of Chhattisgarh. Ghasi Das's guruship was carried on by his son, Balakdas, Guru Ghasidas (1756-1836) was the founder of the Satnami community in Chhattisgarh. During his lifetime, the political atmosphere in India was one of exploitation. Ghasidas experienced the evils of the caste system at an early age, which helped him understand the social dynamics in a caste-ridden society and reject social inequity. To find solutions, he traveled extensively in Chhattisgarh.

Saint Guru Ghasidas established Satnami community in Chhattisgarh, India based on "Satnam" (meaning "Truth") and equality. The Guru's teachings and philosophy is similar to Hinduism & Buddhism. Guru Ghasidas created a white symbol of truth called "jaitkhambh" - a white and straight piece of wood, with a white flag on a top. The white symbol indicating a white man who follows the truth "satnam" is always steadfast and is the white pillar of truth (satya ka stambh). The white flag indicates peace.