576th Birth Anniversary of Srimanta Sankardev

Chandigarh, October 4, 2024: In order to commemorate 576th Birth Anniversary of Srimanta Sankardev, Panjab University Srimanta Sankardev Chair,  is organising a two-week long celebration and commemoration  event starting from 7th October, 2024 onwards. Different activities will be held on the campus. 
 
On 7th October, an audio visual presentation by a writer and Art Historian Dr. Moushumi Kandali titled 'Srimanta Shankardev and his contribution to the traditional of Visual Art form  of Assam' will be held at Mulkh Raj Anand Audotorium at 11.00  A.M.
 
On 7th afternoon, renowned Sattriya Dancer Dr. Mallika Kandoli from Guwahati will perform Sattriya dance, a traditional Assmeese dance at the Indian theatre Auditorium.
 
A National seminar is slated for 8th October on the theme 'Understanding Srimanta Sankardev: A Multifacted Genius' which will be inaugurated by Governor of Punjab, HE Shri Gulab Chand Kataria. The seminar will be attended by delegates from all over the country and research papers will be presented on the theme.
 
Later in the week, seven extension lectures, will be delivered by the the visiting Chair Professor, Prof. Dayanand Pathak in various departments of Panjab University.
 
These activities are being held as a consequence of the Memorandum of Understanding made between Panjab University, Chandigarh and the Government of Assam, through the Honourable Cabinet Minister, Department of Higher Education, Government of Assam.  The objective of the Chair is to extend the study and research on Sankardev, his teaching and the Bhakti Movement beyond the borders of Assam and India. For that, the Chair encourages study and research outside Assam on the Bhakti Movement in Assam with particulars reference to the life, teaching and works of Sankardeva and his followers. In contemporary Indian situation and locates Sankardeva and his movement in the lndian context, creates human resource who will continue to undertake study and research on the history, literature and culture of Assam, especially during the historical context of the Bhakti movement. The Chair  will also facilitates doctoral and post-doctoral research on the Bhakti Movement, its history, different facts and aspects, literature, culture and institutions. organize seminars and lectures / colloquia.  Research and cross-cultural linkages with various contemporary Bhakti Movement saints is another highlight and it is also aiming at digitization of scriptures / literature related to Srimanta Sankardev and to spread his message through social media and technology.