Kumar Bahukhandi
In Short
*Shrimanta Shankaradeva’s ideas are the foundation of social harmony and cultural diversity – Governor Ramen Deka
*The entire country is proud of Shrimanta Shankaradeva’s writings – Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai
Raipur: On the initiative of Governor Ramen Deka, a research center dedicated to the thoughts, philosophy, and literature of the great saint, social reformer, and pioneer of cultural consciousness, Shrimanta Shankaradeva, was grandly inaugurated today on Wednesday January 21, 2026 at Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University in a dignified ceremony.
The program was presided over by Governor Ramen Deka. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Higher Education Minister Tankram Verma, Dr. Krishna Gopal, Joint General Secretary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, along with scholars from the education sector, researchers, youth, and dignitaries were present in large numbers.
An MoU was also signed between Punjab University, Chandigarh, and Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur. Following the MoU, researchers from both universities will be able to conduct interdisciplinary research at each other’s institutions.
In his address on the occasion, the Governor said that Shrimanta Shankaradeva’s ideas continue to inspire society to unite, establish equality, and strengthen human values.
Governor Deka said that the establishment of this research chair is an important initiative in connecting the cultural heritage of Northeast India and Central India at the academic and research levels. This research chair will become a strong center for studies focused on India’s great saint tradition, the Bhakti movement, and social reforms.
He said that such academic endeavors further strengthen the cultural unity of the country, Deka noted .
The Chhattisgarh government has provided Rs. 2 crore in the current financial year for the operation of this research center , for which he thanked Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
The Governor said that Shrimanta Shankaradeva earned fame as a social reformer, educationist, artist, playwright, theater director, painter, writer, lyricist, musician, and propagator of Vaishnavism.
Describing Srimanta Sankardev as a great social reformer of Northeast India, it was said that he envisioned a harmonious society transcending caste, class, and religion. Through the Namghar and Sattra traditions, he strengthened a social system based on equality, compassion, and generosity.
The literature, Ankia Naat, and Borgeet composed by Srimanta Sankardev are invaluable treasures of Indian cultural heritage. His ideas united Assamese society and gave a new direction to social consciousness.
On this occasion, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that although the work of revered Sankardev Ji was primarily in Assam, the impact of his social awakening efforts was felt throughout the entire country.
The literature, plays, and hymns composed by Srimanta Sankardev Ji resonate with the essence of Indian culture. Our country is known for its unity and integrity. Behind this are sons of Mother India like Shri Sankardev Ji, who dedicated their entire lives to the country’s culture.
By informing the present and future generations about the contributions of our ancestors, we can build a capable and prosperous India. This instills a sense of patriotism in people. In one of his compositions, Shri Sankardev Ji said that being born on the land of India is the greatest fortune.
The message of a united India that he gave 500 years ago is being realised today by our illustrious Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji with the slogan ‘Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat’ (One India-Great India).
The chief speaker, Dr. Krishna Gopal Ji, addressing the program, said that the state of Assam is full of diversity. It has diverse types of tribes, geographical features, rivers, mountains, forests, and dense woodlands. Because of this, diverse tribes have been living here for thousands of years.
Srimanta Sankardev did the important work of uniting these tribes. He connected people through devotion to Lord Krishna. He was a prominent figure in the Bhakti movement. He wrote devotional literature, and provided training in drama and singing. He established Namghars in every village. Today, every village in Assam has a Namghar, which is considered a home of devotion, culture, and social harmony.
He shed detailed light on the contributions of Srimanta Sankardev. Higher Education Minister Tank Ram Verma said that Shrimanta Shankaradeva did not limit education to mere literacy but connected it with values and culture. This research center will not just be a building, but will emerge as a workshop of ideas. The research papers produced here will give a new identity to the Indian knowledge tradition at the national and international levels.
At the end of the program, all the collaborators and the management committee involved in the establishment of the institute were congratulated, and the hope was expressed that this center would become a leading one for knowledge, innovation, and the pursuit of truth in the future, and would establish the message of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family) on the global stage.
It is noteworthy that the main objective of establishing the Shrimanta Shankaradeva Research Center is to bring to the forefront of the Indian consciousness the contributions and far-reaching influence of the great saints associated with the Bhakti movement in Northeast and Central India, and also to document the oral traditions of the tribal cultural heritage of both regions.
The research center will also provide fellowships to scholars. Researchers in the fields of language, literature, history, ancient Indian history, regional studies, sociology, and social work can conduct research at the research center .
