- Shrimanta Shankar Dev’s thoughts are the foundation of social harmony and cultural diversity – Shri Deka
- The entire country is proud of the writings of Shrimant Shankar Dev – Shri Sai
On the initiative of Governor Shri Ramen Deka, the grand inauguration of the research institute dedicated to the thoughts, philosophy and literature of the great saint, social reformer and pioneer of cultural consciousness, Shrimant Sankardev, established in Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University, was held today in a dignified ceremony.
Governor Shri Ramen Deka presided over the event. A large number of academicians, researchers, youth, and dignitaries were present, along with Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, Higher Education Minister Shri Tankaram Verma, Dr. Krishna Gopal Ji, Co-General Secretary, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. An MoU was also signed between Punjab University, Chandigarh, and Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur. Following the MoU, researchers from both universities will be able to conduct interdisciplinary research at each other’s universities.
In his address on the occasion, the Governor said that the thoughts of Shrimant Shankar Dev still inspire to unite the society, establish equality and strengthen human values.
Mr. Deka stated that the establishment of this research center is an important initiative toward connecting the cultural heritage of Northeast India and Central India at the academic and research levels. This research center will become a powerful center for study focused on India’s great saint tradition, the Bhakti movement, and social reforms. He added that such academic endeavors further strengthen the country’s cultural unity.
The Chhattisgarh government has given Rs 2 crore in the current financial year for the operation of this research centre, for which he thanked Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai.
The Governor said that Srimanta Shankar Dev has earned fame as a social reformer, educationist, artist, playwright, theatre director, painter, litterateur, lyricist, promoter and propagator of music and Vaishnavism. Describing Srimanta Shankar Dev as a great social reformer of North East India, he said that he envisioned a harmonious society, rising above caste, class, and religion. Through the Namghar and Satra traditions, he strengthened a social system based on equality, compassion, and generosity. The literature written by Srimanta Shankar Dev, Ankia Nat and Borgeet, are today invaluable treasures of Indian cultural heritage. His ideas united Assamese society and gave a new direction to social consciousness.
On this occasion, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai said that while Pujya Shankardev Ji’s field of work may have been Assam, the social awakening he carried out had an impact on the entire country. The literature, plays, and hymns written by Shrimant Shankardev Ji proclaim Indian culture. Our country is known for its unity and integrity. This is due to sons of Mother India like Shri Shankardev Ji, who dedicated their entire lives to the nation’s culture. By informing the current and new generations about the contributions of our ancestors, we can build a capable and prosperous India. This instills a sense of patriotism in people. Shri Shankardev Ji said in one of his compositions that it is a great fortune to be born in India. The message of one India he gave 500 years ago is being realized today by our illustrious Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi with the slogan “Ek Bharat-Shrestha Bharat.”
While addressing the program, the chief speaker Dr. Krishna Gopal ji said that the state of Assam is full of diversity. There are different types of tribes, geographical, rivers, mountains, forests, dense forests. Due to which different tribes have been living here from far away places for thousands of years. Shrimant Shankar Dev did the important work of binding these tribes in one thread. He united the people through the devotion of Shri Krishna. He is a prominent personality of the Bhakti movement. He wrote devotional literature, gave training in drama, singing and standing. He established Naam Ghar in every village. Today every village of Assam has Naam established. It is called the home of devotion, culture and social harmony. He threw light on the contribution of Shrimant Shankar Dev in detail.
Higher Education Minister Shri Tank Ram Verma said that Srimanta Sankardev did not limit education to literacy alone, but linked it with values and culture. This research institute will not only be a building but will also emerge as a workshop of ideas. The research papers produced here will give a new identity to the Indian knowledge tradition at the national and international levels.
At the end of the programme, while congratulating all the associates and the management committee involved in the establishment of the institute, it was hoped that this centre will become a major centre of knowledge, innovation and search for truth in the future and will establish the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam on the world stage.
It is worth noting that the main objective of establishing the Srimanta Sankardev Research Centre is to bring to the attention of the Indian public the contributions and widespread influence of the great saints associated with the Bhakti movement of Northeast India and Central India, and to document the oral tradition of the tribal cultural heritage of both regions. The Research Centre will also provide scholarships to researchers. Researchers in the fields of language, literature, history, ancient Indian history, regional studies, sociology, and social work can pursue research at the Centre.