National seminar on Srimanta Sankaradeva's Contributions held in Madhupur Than, West Bengal

A National seminar on Srimanta Sankaradeva's Contributions was held in Madhupur Than, Kochbehar under the aegis of Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva on November 23, 2014. Several scholars from both Assam and West Bengal spoke on the life and works of Srimanta Sankaradeva in the seminar. The scholars from West Bengal were Prasenjit Barman, former MP and Member of Kochbehar Debottar Trust, Himadri Sankar Bhattacharjee of Kochbehar, Dr Nripendra Nath Paul of Kochbehar, and Dr Sachindra Nath Roy of Kochbehar. Prasenjit Barman said that history of West Bengal was incomplete without Srimanta Sankaradeva. It was suggested by Dr Sachindra Nath Roy that a centre of research on Srimanta Sankaradeva be set up in Madhupur Than. Himadri Sankar Bhattacharjee said that the priests of Kochbehar even now recited verses composed by the saint.

There were numerous suggestions by the participants to make Madhupur a centre of attraction. Extention of Railway line and setting up of a Railway station was demanded for Madhupur. It was opined that the works of Srimanta Sankaradeva be translated to Bengali. The scholars attending the event said in unison that Srimanta Sankaradeva did not belong to Assam alone. Prasenjit Barman declared that the saint belonged to the world. Sachindra Nath Roy said that a central university should be set up in Madhupur so that the glory of this place spreads far.

Dr Kandarpa Kumar Deka, Vice Chancellor of Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya inaugurated the seminar. He said that the multi-faceted contributions of the saint had no match. An exhibition of Sanchipat, Masks etc was held as a part of the event. It was inaugurated by Rajanikanta Dutta, Padadhikar of Srimanta Sankardeva Sangha. He appreciated the works of the Society and assured that Sangha would stand beside the Society in its effort to spread the message of Srimanta Sankardeva. The seminar was attended by Jitendra Pradhani, the newly elected President of Asom Sattra Mahasabha and Babul Bora, Chief Secretary of Srimanta Sankaradeva Sangha.

Eminent author, Dr Karabi Deka Hazarika, Professor of Assamese, Dibrugarh University also participated in the seminar. Lakhikanta Mahanta, Sattradhikar of Madhupur Than, Padma Mahanta, Sattradhikar, and Bhabendra Nath Deka, Upa-Padadhikar of Srimanta Sankardeva Sangha also attended the event. Lakhikanta Mahanta lit the ceremonial lamp to start the proceedings. He expressed great satisfaction over the event and exhorted people of Assam to take care of the Madhupur Than.

There was a Lecture-cum-demonstration of Sattriya Nritya by Prateesha Suresh from Mumbai in the event.

Eminent artist Pabitrapran Bora performed Sutradhari Nritya. Manoj Kumar Das of Barpeta gave solo Khol recital. Kamal Krishna Barua, Pranjit Boruah, and Lalita Barman, artists of Srimanta Sankaradeva Sangha performed different items of Sankari dance and music. Ranjan Bezbaruah recited Totay and also a Sanskrit translation of Bargeet in the event. The promo-version of a CD by him was also released in the event. The devotees of Sankardev Namghar, Kokrajhar performed Nam-Kirtan. The local devotees of Madhupur also performed Nam-Kirtan.

Dr Sanjib Kumar Borkakoti, President of Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva conducted the seminar. Earlier he hoisted the flag of the society. He said in his concluding comment that history of Assam and West Bengal were closely linked and the role of Srimanta Sankaradeva was crucial for West Bengal too. Hence West Bengal government should introduce life and works of Srimanta Sankaradeva in the curriculum, he said. Pradip Hazarika, co-ordinator of Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva compered the seminar. Palash Pratim Bora, an active member of the society offered vote of thanks. He hoped that the movement started by Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva would snowball to a mass movement.