Third Edition of Sankaradeva Movement at NCPA, Mumbai

Mahapurush Sankaradeva, the greatest Assamese of all time was a versatile personality. He was a saint, poet, dramatist, actor, sculptor, painter and most importantly a social engineer who have united the heterogeneous society of Assam.  However, the multifaceted genius hasn’t got his recognition outside Assam.

Sankaradeva Movement is an ambitious attempt to promote the ideals of Sankaradeva and the culture of Assam across India. It is promoted by Trend MMS, the reputed Socio Cultural Trust of Assam in collaboration with NCPA, the well known for promoting Art and Culture in the country.

Trend MMS have been taking many landmark initiatives to promote Assam and North East India.  Recently, Trend MMS organised North East Festival at Delhi wherein for the first time 8 North Eastern joined hand to promote its culture and highlight various issues. Earlier, Trend MMS organized Samannay, wherein leading singers of Assam travelled across Assam to promote harmony and love.

In 2012, Sankaradeva Movement was organised in Delhi, in 2013, in Bengaluru with support from Assamese community in these areas. Both these events got widespread publicity in National and regional media and got attention from all quarters. This year, it is being organised in Mumbai’s most famous cultural destination,  NCPA Auditorium,  Mumbai on 18th May, 2014.  It would be a daylong programme, in the morning a discussion on relevance of Sankaradeva in Modern India would be addressed by reputed Vaishnavi scholars like Dr. Sunil Kothari,  Governor of Assam Mr. JB Patnaik, Flimmaker and top police officer Bhaskarjyoti Mahanta, Actor AdilHussain, Brand Ambassadors of Sankaradeva Movement – UstadAmjad Ali Khan & Actor Victor Banerjee etc.  It would be followed by interaction with Mumbai based media.

In the evening a Grand Cultural Programme is organised showcasing the colorful culture of Assam. The reputed Marathi singer AshwiniBhideDeshpande and BhajanSamaratAnupJalota would perform Borgeet in the function which would be hosted by famous TV presenter Mr. SidharthKak. Dance Drama ChordhoraJhumura performed by top Assamese actresses likeBarasharaniBishaya, TanviSarma, MadhurimaChoudhury under direction of Dr. Nirupoma Mahanta.  Famous Naga  Folk singer Guru ReubanMasangva would perform fusion music with KalpanaPatowary.  UstadAmjad Ali Khan would give Sarod tribute to Sankaradeva followed by Bihu in violin by SunitaKhaundBhuyan followed by performance by Assam’s hearthrobeZubinGarg.  Well known Assamese singer Mr. Khagen Mahanta would be felicitated for his outstanding contribution towards Assamese culture during the event.  Few outstanding Assamese cultural personalities in Mumbai like AmritPritam, DhrubajyotiPhukon,  DebojitChangmai, JatinSarma would be felicitated during the event.

Entrepreneur and Cultural Activist, Mr. Shyamkanu Mahanta who is driving these initiatives informed that through Sankaradeva we are trying to showcase Assam, its egalitarian society. Mr. Mahanta informed that at a time, when Assam is facing conflicts, distrust amongst communities, it is an attempt to look inward and also to highlight Sankaradeva and the culture of the State across India.

Mr. Mahanta also informed that some of the Bollywood top personalities have already confirmed presence during the event apart from top intellectuals of Mumbai. Assamese community in Mumbai is actively involved in inviting and organizing this iconic initiatives, considered biggest ever event to promote Assam outside.