Chandigarh, March 19, 2025- Srimanta Sankaradeva Chair, Panjab University, Chandigarh, today organised a National Seminar. Professor Supreet Coordinator of Srimanta Sankaradeva Chair introduced the guests and provided a brief overview of the Chair’s initiatives.
PU Director, Research and Development Cell, Professor Yojana Rawat, graced the inaugural session as the Chief Guest. In her address, she highlighted Srimanta Sankaradeva’s contributions to humanism, spirituality, and devotion, underlining his significant role in preserving Indian culture. Expressing gratitude towards the Government of Assam and Panjab University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Renu Vig, she also lauded the initiatives undertaken by the Chair over the past two years.
Addressing the valedictory function, PU Registrar Professor Y.P. Verma highlighted Srimanta Sankaradeva’s contributions and called upon everyone to follow his teachings.
The keynote speaker, Dr Shambhunath Mishra from Delhi University, elaborated on Sankaradeva’s role in the Bhakti Movement and national resurgence. He emphasised Sankaradeva’s unique role in promoting unity and harmony through his philosophy of Eka Sharana Dharma.
The second session featured Dr Mallika Kandali from Guwahati, Assam, as the Chief Guest. She highlighted the various paths of devotion espoused by Sankaradeva and his educational contributions to national development. She explained how Sankaradeva made religious and philosophical texts accessible to the masses through his literary and artistic endeavours.
Dr Arshiya Sethi, the second session’s keynote speaker, drew parallels between the contributions of Srimanta Sankaradeva and Guru Nanak Dev. She explained how both saints worked towards national integration in different regions of India—Guru Nanak in North India and Sankaradeva in Assam—by advocating equality in devotion and establishing Eka Sharana Dharma.
Dr Milan Neog from Assam followed with an insightful discussion on Sankaradeva’s contributions to education, theatre, dance, poetry, religious philosophy, and social reform. He emphasised that Sankaradeva’s primary objective was to educate all, including those who could not read or write, through poetry, drama, and performance arts. The session chair, Dr Sonali, commended both speakers and described Sankaradeva’s work as exemplary.
In the third session, Dr Bhavananda provided a general introduction to Sankaradeva’s legacy, focusing on the various aspects of Sattriya dance and Ankiya Bhaona from a dramaturgical perspective. His artistic presentation captivated the audience. Dr Sonali also elaborated on the religious and ethical dimensions of Eka Sharana Dharma.
As many as 30 research papers were presented during the seminar.