Follow Srimanta Sankardev’s path, Governor urges people
A CORRESPONDENT
NUMALIGARH: Assam Governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi said that Srimanta Sankardev was an ambassador of love, peace, wisdom, devotion and philosophy not only in Assam but also across the world. Speaking at the 89th annual session of Srimanta Sankardev Sangha at the Kaziranga Sammanaya Kshetra in Golaghat on Thursday, Governor Prof. Mukhi said that the social, cultural and spiritual identity of Assam owed their prominence to the unrelenting contribution of Sankardev. He also urged the people of Assam to follow the path of Sankardev and stay united and maintain social peace and tranquility.
The second day of the 89th annual conference of Srimanta Sankardev Sangha started at 5 am on Thursday. At 7 am, ‘naam prasanga’ was performed by the Kendriya Seva Bahini at the naamghar. This was followed by a series of meetings till 12 noon. At around noon, the open session started on the Vaishnav pandit Sunaram Chutia Ata memorial main stage. Among those gracing the occasion were Governor Prof. Jagadish Mukhi, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Srimanta Sankardev Sangha Padadhikar Kamalakanta Gogoi, general secretary Babul Bora, former Padadhikar Bhabendranath Deka, Kashi Hindu University Professor Dinabondhu Pandey, eminent researcher from Puri, Banibhushan Shastri, ministers Atul Bora and Keshab Mahanta and MLA Bhaben Bhorali.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that to propagate the philosophy of Srimanta Sankardev across the globe, the Srimanta Sankardev Sangha had been playing a crucial role. To take Srimanta Sankardev’s teachings far and wide, the State Government would contribute Rs. 10 crore to the corpus of Srimanta Sankardev Sangha. Sonowal said that Rs 80 lakh, accrued as interest from the total capital would help Srimanta Sankardev Sangha promote and spread Sankardev’s teachings transcending all boundaries.
The Chief Minister also said that the university set up in the name of Srimanta Sankardev should transform itself into a centre of excellence and the State Government would allot additional 300 bighas of land to the university authority. He also said that his government for the first time had decided to celebrate the birth anniversary of Srimanta Sankardev officially on September 26. Sonowal said, “The spirit of devotion of all the devotees and members of the Srimanta Sankardev Sangha gives us inspiration to live a meaningful life.”
Chief Minister Sonowal also said that moved by the teachings of Srimanta Sankardev, the people of Assam should work hard and take a pledge to make themselves ideal citizens and win over hearts and minds of everybody. He also hailed the role of Srimanta Sankardev Sangha which has been able to usher in a sense of awareness and regeneration among the people of the State with regard to spiritualism and humanism. He also stated that the younger generation should be made aware of the philosophy of Srimanta Sankardev and he advised them to lead an ideal life based on the teachings of Sankardev.
Talking to journalists, Sonowal also urged ULFA-I ‘commander-in-chief’ Paresh Baruah to come forward for the peace talks. Sonowal stated that for the greater interest of the Assamese people and Assam, Baruah should come to the table of discussion soon.
During the programme, many books and souvenirs were released by the guests. ‘Mahapurush Sankardevar Sinta aru Drishti’ was released by Governor Mukhi, ‘Namghusar Nepali Onubad’ by Chief Minister Sonowal, ‘Rukmini Horon Kabyor Bodo Onubad’ by Dinobondhu Pandey and ‘Gobekhonapotro Mohapurush Jyoti’ was released by Minister Keshab Mahanta. Various cultural programmes were held during the evening.
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