Srimanta Sankaradeva Award honoured to Burha Xattriya Basishta Deva Sarma

'Shield xattras from antisocial elements'

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Eminent Vaishnavite scholar and Xatradhikar of Barpeta Xatra, Burha Xattriya Basishta Deva Sarma has urged the Assam Government to take stringent actions against those involved in theft and other anti-social activities in the xatras across the State.

"For survival of the Assamese a race, culture and society, it is utmost important to protect the xatras and namghars from the anti-social forces. The Xatriya culture was imbibed in me at my mother's womb. All my forefathers dedicated their lives to xatras," said Basistha Deva Sarma said after receiving the prestigious Srimanta Sankaradeva Award-2017 from Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal at a function held in the Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalashetra here on Saturday evening.

He added that that the honour has increased his responsibility manifold to promote and propagate the philosophy of Srimaanta Sankaradeva. "I am honoured and extremely humbled by receiving such a prestigious award. The people of Barpeta are also elated," the Xatradhikar said.

The Award comprises a citation, a xarai, angabastra, gold memento and a cheque of Rs. 5 lakh.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sonowal said that his government is happy to have conferred the coveted honour on the Xatradhikar who has dedicated his life for the promotion of Xatra culture and propagation of the teachings of Srimanta Sankaradeva. He said that Srimanta Sankaradeva's teachings are inherently ingrained with the virtues of humanity. So by emulating the life of the 'Gurujona' and following his teachings, one can become a good human being, he said.

The CM added that the State Government will take proactive steps for transforming the 'Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya' to be set up following the ideals and philosophy of the 'Gurujona' into a world-class university. He also said that the university using the philosophy of the 'Gurujona' will spread his teachings across the globe.

While speaking on the occasion, Finance, Health, Education and PWD Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the people of Assam should consider themselves to be very fortunate as Srimanta Sankaradeva was born in the State. He further said that without the teachings and philosophy of the 'Gurujona', Assam cannot sustain its diverse socio-cultural and spiritual identity. 

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