25th Anniversary of the Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra

GUWAHATI: The Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra has stepped into its 25th year today. The Assam Chief Minister announced that the Silver Jubilee Year will be celebrated with year-long events.

The roots of the institution lie in the Assam Movement that took place in the 80s. It was established as per the key points in the 6th Schedule of the Assam Accord. Writer, editor and director late Bhanenda Nath Saikia proposed the project in the year 1985. It was named after the great saint Srimanta Shankardev. The foundation stones of this project were laid on February 2, 1988, by the then Governor of Assam, Bhisma Narayan Singh. It was completed over a decade later and inaugurated on November 9, 1998, by the then President of India, K R Narayanan

From its establishment till today many notable Assamese people from the cultural and literary sector of the state have been associated with the project. Several new additions have been made to the original establishment since its opening. These include the opening of memorials, gardens, museums and auditoriums in the campus. Several facilities have also been upgraded in recent times. It has been host to several important performances and gatherings across the 24 years since its establishment.

"This institution has a serious duty towards the state and its people. It has to find the undiluted presentation of the diverse traditions and cultures of the state. It has to work towards the preservation as well as propagation of the music and folklore of all the tribes of the region. It should also put more light in this direction by arranging more discussion in the field of culture," said Himanta Biswa Sarma.

"This institution needs to present itself as the perfect showcase of Assamese life in front of the rest of the world. People working in the field of culture, language, and the researchers and experts have the duty to put the institution in that position," added the chief minister.

The upcoming Sri Madhabdev Kalakshetra in Bihpuria and Pratima Baruah Pandey's home in Gauripur, which will also be converted into a full-fledged museum, will be managed by the Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra Society. The organization will also study and identify all the locations where the saint travelled and spent his time establishing necessary memorials at every location.

Assam Cabinet Ministers Bimal Bora and Atul Bora and Member of Parliament Pabitra Margharita were present for the event. Vice President of the Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra Society, Jitul Sonuwal also attended the event with several other dignitaries. People from the cultural sector of the state, writers and students from across the region also attended the celebration.

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