Need a separate directorate for xatras and naamghars: Asom Sattra Mahasabha

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Xatradhikars from all over the state have appealed to the State Government to set up a directorate exclusively for the xatras and naamghars.

The Asom Sattra Mahasabha (ASM) held its 53rd mid-tern conference on November 4, 5, and 6, 2021, at |Bokakhat in the Golaghat district. The ASM conference felt a dire need for the protection, preservation and development of xatras and naamghars. It unanimously decided to appeal to the State Government to set up a separate directorate for xatras and naamghars.

Talking to The Sentinel today, ASM general secretary Xatradhikar Kusum Kumar Mahanta said, "Xatras and naamghars are the centres of neo-Vaishnavism in the state. Unfortunately, such centres have no separate directorate. The Directorate of Archeology, the Department of Cultural Affairs and even district administrations deal with xatra and naamghar affairs.

"The Assamese nationality will survive only if the xatras and naamghars survive. Xatras and naamghars have many things that make subject matters for research. An exclusive directorate for xatras and naamghars can pave the way for such research works. It can preserve the histories of different xatras and naamghars.

"Since Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has created a few departments after coming to power, he should also create a separate directorate for xatras and naamghars.

"In the absence of any separate directorate, the government's statistics on xatras and naamghars is confusing. As per ASM statistics, the state has 1,248 xatras and over one lakh naamghars. And many of them have not got any aid from the government. Since xatras and naamghars keep the religious and cultural heritage of the state alive, the government should extend aid to all of them for their development."

ASM president Xatradhilar Jitendra Nath Pradhani said, "We will soon make known to the government all issues discussed at the recent ASM conference."

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