GUWAHATI : Assam Governor Prof.Jagdish Mukhi remembering and paying his reverence to the contribution of great Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankardeva on his death anniversary said, “Srimanta Sankardeva a 16th century apostle, is unparalleled in the history of mankind in his contribution to life and culture of Assam. He is a role model of mankind. He is a versatile genius, a music composer, innovator of a classical school of dance, a world class translator, a litterateur, a spiritual guru”.
rof. Mukhi also said that Sankardeva united Assam culturally and strengthened its society by demolishing caste barriers, uplifting women and people living at the lower strata of the society by stressing on ‘One God and One world’. He encouraged to improve their economic condition and agricultural production. The Governor appealed to all to emulate the teachings of the great saint and dedicate himself or herself for the sake of humanity Mahapurusha Srimanta Shankardeva was a 16th-century Assamese polymath and saint-scholar credited with uniting Assam and considered as the father of Assamese culture.
The saint had an all-pervasive influence on Assamese culture, religion and society and he is widely credited with developing cultural relics and devising new forms of music (Borgeet), theatrical performance (Anika Naat, Bhaona), dance (Sattriya) and literary language (Brajavali). He left behind an extensive work of trans-created scriptures (Bhagavat of Sankardev), poetry and theological works written in Sanskrit, Assamese and Brajavali.The Bhagavatic religious Ekasaranam Dharam or Neo-Vaishnavite movement promoted by him influenced the two medieval kingdoms of Koch and Ahom while the assembly of devotees he initiated evolved into Sattras, which continue to be important socio-religious institutions in Assam.Shankardev inspired Bhakti movement in Assam. His literary and artistic contributions are living traditions in Assam today. The religion he preached is practised by a large population.According to his biographers, Sankardev died on August 23rd 1568, a month shy of his 121st birthday.