'Mahapurush Sankardev formed greater Assamese community by uniting tribes and communities'

A CORRESPONDENT

LAKHIMPUR: State Education Minister Dr Ranoj Pegu said that Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev not only spearheaded the Bhakti Movement in the north-eastern part of India but also contributed tremendously to the cultural, spiritual fields of greater Assam. "Gurujona formed the cultured, greater Assamese community by uniting the tribes and communities of this land with the help of his tremendous cultural contribution," Dr Ranoj Pegu said on Sunday in Dhemaji while attending the open meeting of the 92nd annual session of the Srimanta Sankardev Sangha, organized at Paramananda Ata Samanway Kshetra, Sanjari Nwgwr, Simen Chapori.

The minister took part in the event as chief guest and said that Government of Assam had initiated steps to set up a chair in Jawaharlal Nehru University in the name of Mahapurush Sankardev. He added that the Government of Assam would allocate a fund of Rs 10 crore to fulfil the plan.

The open meeting was chaired by Bhabendra Nath Deka, the newly-selected Padadhikar of the Srimanta Sankardev Sangha, and it was inaugurated by former Upa-Padadhikar Biren Borah. Assam Legislative Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimari, Bihpuria MLA Dr Amiya Kumar Bhuyan and a galaxy of prominent figures of the State delivered lecture in the event as guests of honour.

On the other hand, Dr Dwijendranath Bhakat, a noted researcher on Srimanta Sankardev, graced the occasion as appointed speaker. He delivered lecture on the tremendous contributions of Sankardev to mankind and their importance on cultural, spiritual enhancement of the people. Bodo Kachari Welfare Autonomous Council Deputy Speaker Srijwn Basumatary, AASU general secretary Sankarjyoti Baruah, AJYCP president Polash Changmai, Chutia Students' Union general secretary Mohen Borah, took part in the event along with many other dignitaries of various organizations of the State.

In the same event, Srimanta Sankardev Sangha conferred the 'Moni-Kanchan Bota' (Award) on prominent Gandhian leader Hem Bhai, who is a sincere follower of Sankardev's ideology. The organization has instituted this prestigious award from this year in order to honour the personality who contributed dedicatedly to spread the Sankardev's ideology. The award carries token money of Rs 1,00,000, a citation, memento, angabastra and a bundle of books. Moreover, the organization conferred the 'Sangbadikata Bota-2023' (Journalist Award) on Royal Pegu of Jonai and Ranjit Dutta of Tinsukia. They were honoured with token money of Rs 11,000, a citation, memento, angabastra and a bundle of books. On the other hand, Excellence Award was conferred on Niharika Kashyap as appreciation for her excellence in her field of work while Sonaram Chutia Memorial Meritorious Student Award was given away to Hari Prasad Chetia.

Earlier in the morning, the concluding day agenda of the extravaganza started with unfurling of the organizational flag by newly-selected president Bhabendra Nath Deka. It was followed by Bhagawat Bhraman programme and a colourful cultural procession which enthralled the public. The open meeting was followed by the meeting of the new executive body, community prayer programme, Nam-Prasanga, cultural convention and staging of a bhaona named 'Nrisingha Jatra'. The cultural convention was inaugurated by actor Baikuntha Prince Pathak.

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