HT Correspondent
HOJAI, Sept 4: A life-sized statue of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev was unveiled in Hojai on the occasion of his 456th Death Anniversary. The statue has been installed at Herbal Park in front of the DC Office at Sankardev Nagar in Hojai. The polymath’s statue was unveiled by Shiladitya Dev, ex-MLA and president of Srimanta Sankardev Samanvay Shetra, Hojai, who garlanded the statue. This was followed by the lighting of lamps by Prof Manabendra Dutta Choudhary, vice-chancellor of Rabindranath Tagore University, Kusum Mahanta, chief secretary of Assam Xatra Mahasabha, along with many other dignitaries and in the presence of people from all walks of life, including members of eleven tribes.
Speaking to reporters, Shiladitya Dev expressed pride in the installation of the statue. He said, “It is a matter of pride for us that a life-sized statue of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev is installed here in Hojai.” He emphasised that the objective is to emulate and spread the philosophy and teachings of Srimanta Sankardev to the younger generation. He mentioned that since there is no actual picture of the polymath, the statue was based on an imaginary image created by Bishnu Prasad Rabha and sculpted by Bhuwan Deka Raja. He also informed that while he was an MLA in 2020-21, funds were sanctioned from the United Fund for its establishment. He added, “This statue is constructed at Herbal Park in front of the DC office at Sankardev Nagar, and we have requested the state government to rename it as Srimanta Sankardev Udayan and develop it. This will attract people from within the country as well as from abroad to explore the area.”
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He continued, “Our motto is that the teachings, philosophy, and values of Srimanta Sankardev remain immortal, so future generations can reap their benefits as well.”
On the political front, Shiladitya Dev stated, “We cannot compare Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev with Ajan. Sankardev is our cultural icon and religious teacher (Dharam Guru). How can we compare him with an outsider like Ajan who came from Iran? Srimanta Sankardev is associated with the Bhakti Movement. We can compare him with Gurunanak, Mahaprabhu, or Gautam Buddha. Assam was the land of Sankardev-Madhavdev and will remain so.”
“I feel extremely delighted and happy to attend the inauguration ceremony of the statue of Srimanta Sankardev here in Hojai, where people from all walks of life have gathered to pay him tribute. It is a matter of pride for us,” said Kusum Mahanta, chief secretary, Assam Xatra Mahasabha, while interacting with the media.
After the inauguration ceremony, a cultural procession was carried out from Herbal Park, culminating at Srimanta Sankardev Kristi Bikash Kendra. An open session was held where all the guests shared their detailed views on the life, teachings, values, and philosophy of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev. Following this, 456 earthen lamps were lit in the evening to pay rich tribute to Srimanta Sankardev on his 456th death anniversary. Notably, throughout the entire program, from beginning to end, the sounds of traditional dhol, pepa, and other instruments created an extremely positive and refreshing atmosphere.
