Abdul
Gani
Guwahati:
The teachings of 15th-century saint-philosopher Sankardeva — espousing
religious tolerance and social harmony —could just be the answer to the
paranoia gripping the nation.
A Guwahati-based nongovernmental organisation (NGO)
in association with Assam Association and support from Assam government and
Union ministry of culture is organising an awareness event on the message of
the saint-reformer at the Kamini Auditorium in New Delhi on September 13.
Srimanta Sankaradeva Movement Delhi Initiative, the
title of the event, is being organised by Trend MMS, a socio-cultural group
based in Guwahati. The programme will comprise a presentation on Sankaradeva
followed by an hour-long thematic performance of a dance-drama, “Chordhora
Jhumura”.
The National School of Drama (NSD) is providing
technical input for the programme. “The event has been conceptualised to
highlight the teachings of Sankardeva and the inherent universal brotherhood as
well as displaying the rich cultural movement during his age that still is the
soul of Assamese culture,” said Shyam Kanu Mahanta, a member of the organising
panel.
National celebrities too have involved themselves in
this noble mission. Noted act or Victor Banerjee will be a part of the event.
He will be seen anchoring the whole event.
“We are happy to have Banerjee in our mission. He
will also be our ambassador in the event. He spent his entire childhood in
Moran in Assam, studied at Kanoi College, Dibrugarh and made it big in
Tollywood,
Bollywood and acted in international movies,” Mahanta said.
Besides, acclaimed filmmaker Jahnu Barua too would
be involved in spreadi ng the movement to popularise Sankaradeva at the
national level.
“Our aim is to make people aware of the great
teachings and rich cultural heritage of Assam initiated way back in the 15th
century. We are also looking to build a bridge in terms of cultural integration
with the people from other parts of the country,” he said.
“Jhumura”, a unique style of drama was introduced by
Madhavdeva, the most prominent and devoted disciple of Sankardeva in order to
preach and popularise the tenets of Vaishnavism among the masses.
“His literary and artistic contributions are living
traditions in Assam today. The religion he preached is practiced by a large
population, and Sattras (monasteries) that he and his followers established
continue to flourish and sustain his legacy. In reference to his personality,
teachings and oeuvre, he is a Mahapurusha, or ‘Great Man’.
He propagated a
casteless society and bringing people from different castes and religions as a
part of his team. We hope this initiative will help us in spreading his message
to wider section of people,” Mahanta further said. (Seven Sisters Post)
