Awareness Creating Event in Delhi About Mahapurush Sankaradeva who brought India to Assam

Assam Association in collaboration with Trend MMS, Government of Assam and Ministry of Culture (Government of India) intends to organize an awareness event surrounding Mahapurush Srimanta Sankaradeva in Kamini Auditorium, New Delhi on 13^th September, 2012 and the event would comprise of a Presentation on Sankaradeva followed by one hour thematic performance of a dance-drama, “Chordhora Jhumura”.

Jhumura is an unique creation of Mahapurush Madhabdeva, the prime disciple of Gurujana, Jhumura reminisces Broadway Theatre of West and it represents the creations of Gurujana like Sattriya Nitya and Geet.  The endeavour would be to present the rich culture of Assam started in 15^th century itself to the people of the country and open up an opportunity to all in understanding the philosophy of Mahapurush Sankaradeva and his creative genius so that it can act as a chord to unify all.

The Universal appeal of Mahapursh Sankaradeva has great relevance today when the country is facing fragmentation in views in all fronts. His teachings and its lucidity could build a bridge amongst all ethnic groups in Assam as well as his emphasis on Bhāratavarsa could act as the aligning force to bring Assam and Northeast India closer to the Indian mainstream.

The main aim is to:

ü  Make people residing in National Capital aware of the great teachings and rich cultural heritage of Assam initiated way back in the 15^th century. Media would be the one of the stakeholders, whose attention would be sought to showcase the great work of this 15^th Century Reformer.

ü  Build a bridge in terms of cultural integration with  people from other parts of the country

ü  Showcase the universal teachings of Sankaradeva to forge a sense of brotherhood among various groups

ü  Present the rich culture of Assam and the cultural uniqueness of the state for better understanding of the northeastern part of the country

The event would start with a presentation on the diverse facets of life and teachings of Mahapurush Sankaradeva and his cultural geniusness. The presentation is scripted by Mr Bhaskarjyoti Mahanta, leading Sattriya exponent in consultation with experts of Sankari Culture. This would be followed by a one hour dance drama “Chordhora Jhumura” that would highlight the integration of culture in religious teachings to reach the wide masses.  The Drama is directed by Dr. Nirupoma Mahanta with support from Bidyabati Phukon and Adil Hussain. National Schools of Drama(NSD) is providing technical support for organizing the Drama. 

The programmed would be attended by Mr. Tarun Gogoi, Hon’ble CM of Assam, Mr. Pabansingh Ghatowar, Hon’ble DoNER Minister, Mr. Kapil Sibal, Hon’ble Minister for HRD, Kumari Selja, Hon’ble Minister for Culture, Government of India alongwith leading dance exponents, drama critics, bureaucrats and leading citizens of Delhi.

Besides, attempts are being made to include a chapter on Mahapurush Sankaradeva in the NCERT course curriculum. The event would be the first attempt to create awareness and the organizers would strive to make it an annual event. Also, attempts would be made to sustain the effort through effective coordination with Culture Ministry to give ensure more focus to Sattriya dance as well Ankia Bhona, Jhumura etc to carry forward the legacy of Sankaradeva.

Background Information

Mahapurush Srimanta Sankaradeva the multi-dimensional personality is one of the leading lights of the Neo- Vaisnavite Movement. He was not only a religious preceptor, but also a social reformer, who had galvanised the ethnic groups of the volatile North East India and is regarded as the father of the modern Assamese race.

He is credited with providing a thread of unity to Assam straddling two major kingdoms (Ahom and Koch kingdoms), building on past literary activities to provide the bedrock of Assamese culture, and creating a religion that gave shape to a set of new values and social synthesis.  He propagated a casteless society, bringing people from different caste, religion as a part of his team. He created the Sattra Institution, Sattriya dance which has become a National Dance Form.  He travelled across the country and introduced the concept of “Bharatvarsa” to Assam.

Sankaradeva is one of the most versatile saint-poets of India. His was a multi-dimensional personality: There are poets and composers, there are saints and religious teachers, there are musical masters, there are preachers; but Sankaradeva was a genius in whom all these qualities were rolled into one.

However, such a multi-faceted personality hasn’t got due recognition in in the rest of the country in later years and his creative works remained within the boundaries of Assam. His vision during his time has great relevance even today, when the entire country is witnessing parochialism and divisions amongst various groups of people.

 At a time when Assam and the North East India is going through a strong Separatist movement for the last many decades, the principles of Mahapurush Sankaradeva is more relevant. He was responsible for creation Assamese community and integrates with the Indian mainstream and creating a fundamentally strong ethos which is still binding the State and the region.

The Programme is organized by Trend MMS - the leading entertainment Firm of Assam - in association with Assam Association, New Delhi and support from Ministry of Culture, Government of India. North East Media Managers Forum is also associated with the programme.  Communication and media Engagement of the event will be done by SAUV Communications Private Limited, New Delhi.