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Sarbananda Sonowal hails revival of Batadrava Than, birthplace of Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardeva
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal hailed the revival of Batadrava Than, birthplace of Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardeva, as a cultural resurrection. He emphasized the project's role in restoring Assam's identity, combating historical neglect, and promoting inclusive values. The initiative, supported by PM Modi and HM Amit Shah, revitalizes a sacred site, fostering Assamese pride and heritage.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that the revival of Batadrava Than, the birthplace of Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardeva, marks a defining moment in Assam's cultural and spiritual journey.
Sonowal called the project a “cultural resurrection” rooted in history, identity and inclusive values.
Batadrava Than, Sonowal said, is not merely a satra or place of worship but a living symbol of Vaishnavite culture and the spiritual awakening of Assamese society. “It was here that Mahapurusha Sankardeva broke barriers of caste and hierarchy and showed the path to a more humane and inclusive social order,” Sonowal said.
Sonowal said the sacred site had long suffered neglect and indifference.
“For years, this centre of spiritual practice and social reform was overlooked. Under the dynamic and bold leadership of PM Narendra Modi ji with resolute guidance form Union Home Minister Amit Shah ji, the BJP-led alliance government undertook focused and decisive initiatives to restore Batadrava Than, resurrect it as Assam's social and cultural idea and the results are now visible to everyone,” Sonowal said.
Recalling his tenure as chief minister, Sonowal said he had recognized the historical and symbolic importance of Batadrava Than and initiated steps to give it renewed recognition at both the state and national levels. “When the people first entrusted us with forming a BJP-led government, our priority was clear — to free Satra land from encroachment, secure Satra property, protect Satra culture, preserve original architecture and upgrade infrastructure,” Sonowal said.
Sonowal said the intervention was necessary as the sacred land of Batadrava was steadily losing its cultural character.
“Driven by narrow political interests, unchecked migration and encroachment were allowed to take root. Residents lived with the fear of losing their identity, land and homes. We remained committed to restoring Assam's identity to its rightful custodians,” Sonowal added.
As part of this effort, the Batadrava Than Beautification Project was launched on February 25, 2021, across nearly 130 bighas of land to facilitate research, study and preservation of Mahapurusha Sankardeva's invaluable works. The foundation stone for the project was laid by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Reflecting on Assam's post-Independence experience, Sonowal said the state had faced decades of neglect. “For nearly 55 years, successive Congress governments showed little sensitivity toward Assam's culture, language and heritage. This indifference led many ordinary people to feel disconnected from the national mainstream,” Sonowal said.
Sonowal said a decisive shift came in 2014 with the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who described the Northeast as Ashtalakshmi and articulated a vision that placed Assam at the centre of India's growth story. “The call of ‘A for Assam' was not a slogan but a statement of intent. I consider it a privilege to contribute, even in a small way, to that vision,” Sonowal said.
Sonowal contrasted decades of what he termed misrule with the present focus on cultural preservation. “On one side was rampant encroachment on Satra land and decay of heritage. On the other are firm eviction drives, protection of places of worship and beautification that is drawing tourists and strengthening local economies,” Sonowal said.
Sonowal said strengthening Assamese cultural heritage has been a core objective of the present government.
Amendments to land laws have been made to protect the sacred spiritual and cultural landscapes of Barpeta, Batadrava and Majuli, while eviction drives to safeguard Satras and Namghars continue, Sonowal added.
He said, Batadrava Than stands renewed with modern facilities coexisting with a carefully preserved past. “It has helped Assamese society reconnect with its roots. Inspired by the values of peace, unity and humanism sown by Mahapurusha Sankardeva, Batadrava has once again been revived and revitalised,” Sonowal said.
Sonowal described the project as more than a development initiative. “This is a cultural movement. With clear vision, farsighted leadership and effective use of schemes such as Assam Darshan, this historic site has been given new life. It will strengthen Assamese pride, identity and heritage in the years to come,” Sonowal said.
Sonowal said the inauguration of the project by Shah symbolized national recognition of Batadrava Than's enduring significance. “Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspiring and dynamic leadership and the Home Minister's decisive steps that have helped establish lasting peace in Assam and the Northeast, Batadrava Than now moves forward with renewed confidence,” Sonowal said.
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Source: EconomicTimes
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