A CORRESPONDENT
LAKHIMPUR: "Spirituality is a state of pure consciousness, not just an adherence to some sets of worship rituals. It is the process of awakening from ordinary consciousness, rising above the ego and awakening to a wider consciousness. It can mean expanding the mind beyond limitations, thoughts, and limited viewpoints about life and the universe," stated writer-cum journalist Ranjit Kakati, who is also a spiritual speaker, while delivering the Baikunthi Xatradhikar Shri Shri Mahesh Chandra Deva Goswami Memorial Lecture organized on Tuesday by Basudev Than Naruwa Xatra, the noted Vaishnav Peeth of the north-eastern region.
Notably, the lecture event has been organized by the Xatra every year since 2011 in connection with the programme which is held in order to confer the Baikunthi Xatradhikar Shri Shri Mahesh Chandra Deva Goswami Memorial Award. This award is conferred by the Xatra to the student who bags the highest mark in the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) exam in Dhakuakhana subdivision
The ceremonial programme organized on this occasion began with the lighting of lamps and garlanding of the portrait of Mahesh Chandra Deva Goswami by Majuli Purani Samaguri Xatra Xatradhikar Nakul Mahanta, Basudev Xatra Xatradhikar Bhupendra Deva Goswami and Deka Xatradhikar Bhogendra Deva Goswami. Xatradhikar Bhupendra Deva Goswami also chaired the programme wherein the memorial lecture was organized on a topic 'Xatra culture, spiritual ideology and relationship of the Xatra and public'.
In connection with his speech, Ranjit Kakati further stated that the xatras in Assam were not merely religious institutions but also carriers of a cultural tradition and revolution since the advent of the neo-Vaishnavite movement.
"In the formation of the Assamese society and culture, xatras had played a crucial role. The ideology that the xatra teaches is renunciation against materialism and bliss against sorrows," Kakati added
In the same event, the Baikunthi Xatradhikar Shri Shri Mahesh Chandra Deva Goswami Memorial Award was conferred to Shymalima Baruah and Nandita Baruah, two meritorious students living at Dulia Gaon under Dhakuakhana subdivision. They appeared in the HSLC exam from Dhakuakhana Sankardev Shishu Niketan. The award carries a silver medal, along with a citation, prize money of cash Rs. 5,000, a safura, gamosa, cheleng sador and bundle of books. On behalf of the students, their parents took the award from the Xatradhikar.