Guwahati: A dream will come true for the people of Assam as the Stategovernment has taken pragmatic initiatives to establish Srimanta Sankardev chair at School of Sanskrit & Indic Studies of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi. A memorandum of understanding was signed on Thursday in presence of State chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma between the government and the premier institution dedicated to higher education.
A one-time fund of Rs 10 crore for the current financial year has been earmarked by the government for the purpose. Sarma termed the development as a defining moment for Assam and would prove a landmark in the government’s aim to ensure the teachings and ideologies of the fifteen century neo-Vaishnavite saint penetrate the hearts and minds of every citizen.
Sarma referred to Sankardev’s Ek-Sarana Namdharma as a civilisational gift of great neo-Vaishnavite saints. Sadly, discussions related to it have been limited to the boundaries of the State, remarked Sarma. The establishment of Sankardev chair at JNU would prove decisive in attracting dedicated research and discussions on the subject, he added.
Referring to Sankardev as a greatest nationalist, Sarma spoke about the deep influence Indian civilisation and identity had on the saint, philosopher and religious preacher. The influence of Indian civilisation on Sankardev can be gauged from the fact that in his works, Bharat has been mentioned as many as 46 times. The program was also attended by State minister Ranoj Pegu, education department advisor Noni Gopal Mahanta, JNU vice-chancellor Shantishree Dhulipudi Pandit with others.
