AssamCM Himanta Biswa Sarma Visits Historic Madhupur Satra in Cooch Behar, West Bengal
Assam Government Plans Comprehensive Development of Madhupur Satra
Dalim Phukan.
Hills Live News, Guwahati, September 20: Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma Saturday visited the historic Madhupur Satra in Cooch Behar, W.B. an important centre of Vaishnavite heritage, and announced that the Assam Government is planning a comprehensive development programme for the revered site.
Dr. Sarma was accompanied by West Bengal Ministers Nisith Pramanik and Malati Hills Live News,Rava Roy, and Assam Ministers Ashok Singhal and Ashwini Ray Sarkar. During his visit, the Chief Minister offered prayers at the Satra and inspected the Kirtan Ghar, guest house and other parts of the complex to assess its existing infrastructure and overall condition.
Later, Dr. Sarma held a meeting with Ministers from Assam and West Bengal and the Satradhikars of Madhupur Satra, Ramraikuthi Satra, Uttar Kamalabari Satra, Patbausi Satra and Barpeta Satra to discuss the proposed development of Madhupur Satra.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sarma said Madhupur Satra occupies a special place in the spiritual and cultural life of Assam. He said the Satra represents the enduring legacy of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva and his vision of Ekasarana Naam Dharma, based on devotion, equality, knowledge and cultural harmony.
The Chief Minister noted that Srimanta Sankardeva had chosen Madhupur to spend the final phase of his life. He said Madhupur Dham, associated with the final resting places of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva, Sri Sri Madhavdeva and Sri Sri Damodardeva, holds immense emotional and historical significance for the people of Assam.
Dr. Sarma said the Assam Government is committed to giving Madhupur Satra the recognition and stature it deserves. A comprehensive development programme is being planned to transform the Satra into a major centre of social, cultural and spiritual activities while preserving its sanctity, heritage and traditional character.
He stressed that development and heritage conservation must go hand in hand. The government also plans to make efforts to reclaim land allegedly encroached upon by the Madhupur Satra.
The Chief Minister urged the West Bengal Government to send a minister-led delegation to visit the Srimanta Sankardeva Abirbhav Kshetra at Batadrava in Assam. He said the visit would help the delegation understand the development model adopted at Batadrava, which Assam plans to follow while undertaking the comprehensive development of Madhupur Satra.
Dr. Sarma expressed hope that the initiative would further strengthen cooperation and goodwill between Assam and West Bengal and help establish Madhupur as an important destination for cultural, spiritual and heritage tourism in eastern India.
The Assam Government has already developed Srimanta Sankardeva’s birthplace at Batadrava as the Srimanta Sankardeva Abirbhav Kshetra and developed Sri Sri Madhavdeva Kshetra at Letekupukhuri. Construction and preservation works at Patbausi Satra are also underway.
According to the government, the proposed major development programme at Madhupur Satra could not be taken forward earlier due to various political circumstances. With a more favourable environment now in place, Assam and West Bengal are working together to advance the preservation and development of the historic spiritual and cultural site.