Nagaon (Assam), 29 December (HS): Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday issued a strong message from the sacred land of Batadrava, urging people not to allow “unknown or unidentified individuals” to enter Assam, describing the state as the nation’s Borghar (sacred home).

Addressing a large public gathering at the inauguration ceremony of the Srimanta Sankardeva birth place development programme, the Chief Minister said that Assam must remain vigilant to protect its cultural, social and spiritual identity. “No unknown person should be allowed to stay in Assam,” he asserted, adding that safeguarding the state’s heritage is a collective responsibility.

Dr Sarma further cautioned against attempts to dilute or distort Assam’s Vaishnavite traditions, stating that Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardeva should not be forcefully equated with other religious figures. “Do not try to merge Ajan Fakir with Sankardeva. Sankardeva’s philosophy and legacy are unique and must be preserved in their original form,” the Chief Minister said.

Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah was accorded a traditional welcome at the sacred Guru Asan of Batadrava with gamosa, pat silk cheleng sador, traditional mukha art and a portrait symbolising Assam’s rich cultural heritage. The Chief Minister expressed gratitude for the opportunity to welcome the Union Home Minister to the holy land associated with Srimanta Sankardeva.

During the event, Dr Sarma also recalled the spiritual legacy of Mahapurusha Madhavdeva, a foremost disciple of Sankardeva and a key propagator of Neo-Vaishnavism in Assam, by reciting verses composed by him, calling it a moment of deep reverence and pride.

The programme witnessed the presence of religious heads, devotees and thousands of people from across the state, marking a significant occasion in Assam’s cultural and spiritual landscape.---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash