Guwahati, 26 March (HS): BJP Assam Pradesh media panelist Ashish Bharali on Thursday asserted that the BJP has revived the “Sanatan soul” of Assam through sustained efforts to preserve and promote the state’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

He said that the great saint Srimanta Sankardev had laid the foundation of a harmonious and culturally vibrant Assamese society through his unparalleled contributions. Carrying forward his ideals, the Assam government has developed the ‘Srimanta Sankardev Avirbhav Kshetra’ as a grand tribute, reflecting his eternal philosophy. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the project has been developed over nearly 200 bighas of land with an investment of ₹217 crore.

The modern cultural complex features a grand ‘Guru Asan’ along with rich exhibits showcasing the saint’s life, teachings, and literary genius. With expansive water bodies, landscaped gardens, and modern guest facilities, the site has emerged as a major hub for cultural tourism in the state.

Bharali alleged that the sacred land of Bordowa, the birthplace of Sankardev, had remained under illegal encroachment by “doubtful elements” for decades, while previous Congress governments allegedly ignored the issue. He claimed that decisive steps to reclaim the land and initiate the cultural revival project were taken only after the BJP-led NDA government came to power in 2016 with its commitment to protect “jati, mati, bheti” (identity, land, and roots).

Criticising the Congress, Bharali further said that Assam, once spiritually guided by Sankardev and Madhavdev, had, during earlier regimes, witnessed demographic shifts that adversely affected indigenous communities. He claimed that the BJP-led government since 2016 has consistently worked to reclaim encroached satra lands, forest reserves, and government properties, restoring the rightful prominence of indigenous people.

He also highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the government, including financial assistance under the Assam Darshan scheme for the preservation and beautification of namghars and temples across the state. Projects such as the Madhavdev Kalakshetra in Bihpuria, a martyrs’ memorial of the Assam Movement in Guwahati, a freedom fighters’ park in Jorhat, and the restoration of the historic Rang Ghar in Sivasagar were cited as examples of the government’s commitment to reviving Assam’s cultural legacy.

Bharali added that efforts to bring back the revered Vrindavani Vastra to Assam further reflect the government’s dedication to reconnecting people with their rich civilisational heritage.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash