Mumbai comes alive with the myriad hues of Assam

Sankaradeva Movement started out as an ambitious attempt to promote the ideals of the 15th century saint Sankaradeva and to propagate the culture of Assam across India. The Third edition of the movement, which is promoted by Trend MMS, the reputed Socio Cultural Trust of Assam, was held in Mumbai today in collaboration with NCPA, well known for promoting Art and Culture in the country.

​​The event, which promised to be bigger and better than ever before, turned out to be an unqualified success thanks to the love and support it received from all quarters. Entrepreneur and Cultural Activist, Mr. Shyamkanu Mahanta, the organizer of Sankaradeva Movement said, “Mahapurush Sankaradeva, the greatest Assamese of all time was a versatile personality - a saint, poet, dramatist, actor, sculptor, painter and most importantly a social engineer who united the heterogeneous society of Assam.  However, we felt that the multifaceted genius hasn’t got his recognition outside Assam, hence the need for a movement such as this. We have been really overwhelmed by the kind of response we have received in Mumbai – it really has been unprecedented and much more than the previous editions.”

The morning saw a discussion on the relevance of Sankaradeva in Modern India in which eminent luminaries like Governor of Assam Mr. JB Patnaik, Brand Ambassador of Sankaradeva Movement –Actor Victor Banerjee, Actor Adil Hussain, reputed Vaishnavi scholar Dr. Sunil Kothari, Bhaskarjyoti Mahanta,  eminent writer and Addl DGP, Assam & Swapna​nil Baruah, Commissioner, Cultural Affairs Deptt, Govt of Assam participate with great gusto. All the speakers stressed upon the greatness of Sankaradeva’s teachings and the need for the modern society to imbibe the ideals of the great scholar saint.

​Eminent actor and brand ambassador ​of Sankaradeva Movement, Victor Banerjee said, "The Sankaradeva Movement is a novel initiative to propagate the ideals of the great scholar saint. Having been associated with the initiative for the past 3 years, I can see the movement taking a definite shape. His teachings which spoke about secularism and inclusion in the true sense, have a lot of relevance in today's times."

Hon'ble Governor of Assam Shri JB Patnaik said, "Srimanta Sankaradeva appeared as a unifying force for the people of Assam - he was a great spiritual leader, a social reformer, an architect of Assamese language and literature, composer, dramatist, musician, dancer, painter and above all a great humanist. We cannot think of Assam without Srimanta Sankaradeva and I am glad Sankaradeva Movement is doing yeomen's service in promoting his teachings in different parts of India and particularly in Maharashtra, the home of many saints and spiritual leaders of India."

In the evening, a grand cultural programme was organised to showcase the colorful culture of Assam. The star-studded function was an evening to remember with some spellbinding performances in the presence of celebrated personalities from the film industry like Hariharan, Pritam,Lalit Pandit among others. The reputed Marathi singer Ashwini Bhide Deshpande and Bhajan Samrat Anup Jalota enthralled the audience with Borgeet in the funct​ion. ​

Dance Drama Chordhora Jhumura was performed by top Assamese actresses like Barasharani Bishaya, Tanvi Sarma & Mallika Kandali under direction of Dr. Nirupoma Mahanta.  Famous Naga Folk singer Guru Rewben Mashangva rocked the crowd with his mesmerizing Naga folk blues in a unique fusion performance along with Kalpana Patowary.  Sunita Khaund Bhuyan filled the evening with her lilting violin strains as she performed Bihu. The function was sumptuously rounded off by Assam’s heartthrob Zubin Garg.  Few outstanding Assamese cultural personalities in Mumbai like Amrit Pritam, Dhrubajyoti Phukon, Debojit Changmai, Jatin Sarma were also felicitated during the event.