VKIC to promote Sattras system of Asom

New Delhi, Oct 17 (UNI) Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture (VKIC), a non-government organisation, is organising a two-day workshop-cum-seminar on the Sattras system of Asom here on November 25 and 26 to understand the richness of the traditional system and identify the unifying elements that binds it to the peple.

Talking to newsmen, Chairman VKIC, Dipak Kumar Basrthakur said apart from this, it would reflect on how best to provide meaningful continuity to these practices in a fast changing lifestyle and inspire leadership with the idea of ''Development Through Culture.'' He said since 2003, VKIC was pursuing the objective of ''Development through Culture'' and had taken up the Sattra Institution of Asom as initiated by Sreemanta Sankaradeva as one of the areas of study.

He said, Majuli in Asom, the largest river island in the world, is the nerve centre of this tradition. It was from here that the Sattra Institution took roots, flourished and spread throughout the State. Today, there are more than 700 sattras in Asom and because of their inherent self-sufficiency, each of these Sattras has become an economic power centre and illustrates the method of generating means for sustenance based on the scientific principles of inter-connectedness and interdependence.

Apart from this, the Sattras are basically active centres for sustaining the traditions of religious learning and the socio-economic life of the bhakti movement and also became the nerve centers of wide-ranging activities such as painting, sculpture, mask making and Sattriya dance.

He regretted that the Sattriya dance, which had been recognised as a classical dance form about three years back, was yet to get its due national recognition.

He said they have approached the Ministry of Tourism for promoting Majuli as a tourism destination in Asom and in North Eastern region as Majuli was the largest river Island in the world.

The functon will be inaugurated by former Director General of Enforcement Directorate D N Bezboorha and Retired Lt General S K Sinha will be the Chief Guest. Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi was also expected to address the gathering, he added.

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