Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya in presence of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma conferred the Srimanta Sankardev Award 2023 on celebrated classical dance exponent Dr. Sonal Mansingh as a mark of humble respect of the government as well as the people, at a solemn function held at Srimanta Sankardeva International Auditorium in Panjabari, Guwahati, today (June 12).
Instituted in the year 1986, the award is presented to honour persons of eminence in the field of journalism, arts, culture and literature in the hallowed name of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva.
The award carries a citation, a gold medal, angavastra and cash of Rs. 5 lakh.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma while congratulating Dr. Sonal Mansingh said, “It is a matter of immense pride for the people of Assam to present the prestigious Srimanta Sankardev Award 2023 to a legendary figure in the realm of India classical dance, Dr. Sonal Manshing. Her unparalleled dedication to preserving the promoting Indian classical dance has enriched the cultural heritage of our nation and her contributions as cultural ambassadors are truly commendable”.
Dr. Sarma said that a globally celebrated classical dancer Dr. Sonal Mansingh is a revered cultural icon of India for many decades. A strong personality, who overcame many social and professional challenges to redefine her professional journey in the field of art and culture, Dr. Mansingh pioneered classical dance addressing social injustice, women enrichment and ecological imbalance.
Taking her dedication and hard work to a new height, Dr. Mansingh founded the Centre for Indian Classical Dances to train young Indian talents to excel in various classical dance forms, Dr. Sarma added.
Paying rich tributes to the spiritual genius of the country, Chief Minister Dr Sarma also said that from sixth to ninth century for the spiritual and social reformation of the country, a Bhakti Movement was initiated. In Assam also, Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva introduced Ek Saran Naan Dharma to strengthen harmony and unity among the people cutting across people belonging to all caste, community, language etc. He established Nam Ghar to create a platform for the discussion of the virtues of religion, spiritualism and culture.
Paying obeisance to Srimanta Sankardeva, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma said that Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva was a magnanimous character who belonged to the global community. His teachings transcended all boundaries to spread the message of universal brotherhood. As a mark of respect to Gurujona, Government of Assam is constructing the Rs. 200 crore Sankardeva Cultural Complex at Batadrava, the birth place of Gurujona.
The complex is at the last stage of its completion and it will be inaugurated in December this year, he added.
Moreover, he said that to initiate studies on the creations of Srimanta Sankardeva, a chair in his name of the Gurujona has been created and set up in Jawaharlal Nehru University, Viswa Bharati University, Punjab University.
Moreover, one more chair in the name of Srimanta Sankardeva will be set up at Tezpur University.
Chief Minister Dr Sarma also said that State government took steps to develop a Religious Tourist circuit covering 21 important places from Batadrava to Cooch Behar that were visited by Mahapurush Srimanta Sankrdeva during his lifetime.
These places are Bordowa, Alipukhuri, Chingari, Rowta, Gangmou, Ghiladhori, Bhalukaguri, Malowal, Dhuwahat-Belaguri, Kapola, Sunpora, Ganakkuchi, Kumarkuchi, Patbausi, Tantikuchi, Madhupur, Coochbehar, Bhela, Kakotkuta, Chilaray Griha (Phulbari) and Ramraikuthi Satra.
Dr. Sarma also said that Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra started an initiative of publishing a multi-lingual book on the life and works of the Gurujona. The book will be translated in Assamese, English, Hindi, Bodo, Rabha, Tiwa, Deuri, Karbi, Nepali, Mising, Dimasa etc.
Moreover, he said that Rs. 100 crore will be given to Srimanta Sankardeva to facilitate its overall
development.
The Chief Minister said that the award presented to a personality like Dr. Sonal Mansingh will help in inspiring the coming generations to know about the rich legacy of Srimanta Sankardeva and his devotion, compassion and inclusiveness that transcends time and space uniting people
through art and spirituality.
Dr. Sonal Mansingh who also spoke on the occasion expressed her gratitude for choosing her for the coveted award. Reminiscing her long association with Assam and the Vaishnava Philosophy, she said that she has always been moved by the enriching teachings of Srimanta
Sankardeva.
Speaking about Borgeet and its rippling effects, she said that she would explore how the elements of Borgeet can be synergized and harmonized in her classical dance.
Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Cultural Affairs Minister Bimal Bora also spoke on the occasion.
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