Values and traditions have kept Indian civilisation alive: Himanta
Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the newly constructed academic building of Auniati University at Kaliapani in Jorhat. The university has been established under the initiative of the historic Sri Sri Auniati Satra.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Dr Sarma said Teok-Kaliapani has emerged as an important educational centre of Assam within a short period. With Auniati University, Assam Women’s University and Jorhat Government Law College located in the area, he said the area is developing into a significant centre for higher education, knowledge and research.
The Chief Minister announced that the State Government would provide an additional Rs 5 crore to Auniati University for infrastructure development.
He said universities should not only impart modern knowledge but also nurture values, wisdom and a sense of responsibility among young people.
Highlighting the contribution of Satras to the social and cultural life of Assam, Dr Sarma said the institutions established on the foundation of the Bhakti movement have played a transformative role in the development of religion, literature, music, dance, theatre, art and moral values. He said Sri Sri Auniati Satra has been an important custodian of this rich heritage.
Dr Sarma also highlighted the Satra’s contribution to the history of Assamese journalism through Asam Bilasini. He said Satradhikar Sri Sri Dattadeva Goswami established the Dharma Prakash Yantra and published Asam Bilasini in 1871. He described the establishment of a printing press and publication of a newspaper from Majuli during the nineteenth century as a landmark in Assam’s journalistic history.
Referring to the vision of the present Satradhikar, Dr Pitambar Deva Goswami, the Chief Minister said Auniati University is an important outcome of his forward-looking approach.
He expressed hope that the university would create an environment where modern education and India’s civilisational values complement each other.
Dr Sarma said that Indian civilisation continues to shine despite the decline of many other civilisations because it has preserved its values and traditions.
He stressed that modernity and traditional values must move forward together for the meaningful progress of society.
Satradhikar Dr Pitambar Deva Goswami, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, Minister for Labour Welfare Department Rameswar Teli, MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, MLA Rupjyoti Kurmi, Vice Chancellor of Auniati University Prakash Jyoti Barthakur, faculty members, devotees, distinguished guests and students were present at the programme.
Later, the Chief Minister visited Dhekiakhowa Bornamghar and offered prayers. The Chief Minister said the Government would take steps to develop Dhekiakhowa Bornamghar as one of the State’s prominent spiritual tourism destinations.
He also announced that necessary measures would be taken for its overall development and to address issues raised by the management committee, including installation of street lights along the approach road.
