HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, June 12: Celebrating the timeless legacy of Assam’s cultural renaissance figure, the Srimanta Sankardeva Award 2023 was ceremoniously conferred upon noted classical dancer Padma Vibhushan Dr Sonal Mansingh by Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya at Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra on Thursday.
The event was held in the presence of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, and several other dignitaries.
According to an official statement, the award presentation was not only an occasion to honour one of India’s most distinguished cultural icons but also a tribute to the enduring vision of Srimanta Sankardeva, the 15th–16th century saint-reformer whose contributions to Assamese culture and spirituality continue to resonate across generations.
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In his keynote address, Governor Acharya described Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva as a spiritual and cultural visionary who went beyond the confines of geography and time.
“Srimanta Sankardeva was not just a saint of Assam or the Northeast; he was a symbol of India’s collective cultural consciousness,” he said, highlighting the saint’s influence as both a unifier and a reformer.
Governor Acharya spoke at length about Sankardeva’s pioneering role in shaping Neo-Vaishnavism or Ek Sarana Naam Dharma—a movement that challenged caste barriers and emphasized devotion, moral conduct, and communal harmony through art, music, drama, and scripture.
He elaborated on the saint’s monumental contributions to Assamese cultural heritage, citing his composition of Borgeet, creation of the Ankiya Naat theatre tradition, and his Assamese translation of the Bhagavata Purana as enduring pillars of regional and national cultural identity.
The Governor also praised the Government of Assam for its initiatives in promoting Sankardeva’s legacy, including the development and preservation of key cultural and religious institutions such as Batadrava Than, Patbausi Satra, and Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra.
He also mentioned the establishment of the Srimanta Sankardeva Chair in various academic institutions across Assam and the country as a significant step in academic engagement with the saint’s teachings.
Conferring the award on Dr Sonal Mansingh, Governor Acharya applauded her lifelong contribution to Indian classical dance, cultural activism, and educational outreach.
“This award is not just a tribute to her persona, but a recognition of her relentless service in upholding and modernizing the spirit of Indian heritage,” he said.
Dr Mansingh, who has mastered and propagated the Bharatanatyam and Odissi traditions, has also played a vital role in public cultural policy and youth engagement through her performances and leadership roles.
In her acceptance, Dr Mansingh expressed deep gratitude and noted the spiritual and artistic legacy of Srimanta Sankardeva as a guiding force for all cultural practitioners.
The award, she said, would further inspire her mission of bridging classical art with contemporary relevance.
During the ceremony, Governor Acharya also addressed the younger generation, urging them to draw inspiration from Srimanta Sankardeva’s life and teachings.
“Let our younger generation take inspiration from the life and teachings of Srimanta Sankardeva. Let them become ambassadors of India’s timeless values through research, expression, and community service,” he urged.
Governor Acharya extended his appreciation to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for his visionary leadership in safeguarding and promoting Assam’s rich cultural and spiritual ethos.
He remarked that the Chief Minister’s dedication has led to a cultural revival that is rooted in both tradition and progressive thinking.
The award presentation was attended by an array of cultural, political, and administrative dignitaries including Minister of Culture Bimal Bora; Assam chief secretary Dr Ravi Kota; Padma Bhushan awardee and eminent Sattriya dancer Jatin Goswami; and several other noted personalities from the fields of art, literature, and governance.
The Srimanta Sankardeva Award, instituted by the Government of Assam, stands as one of the state’s highest civilian honours, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the enrichment of Indian culture and society.
The 2023 edition, as per the official statement, reaffirms the state’s continued reverence for artistic excellence and spiritual legacy.
