Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah recently undertook a day-long visit to Assam, during which he inaugurated the long-awaited redevelopment project of Mahapurush Srimanta Shankardev’s birthplace, Batadrava Than located in Nagaon district. The inauguration marked a significant cultural and spiritual milestone for the State, symbolising the revival and preservation of Assam’s rich Vaishnavite heritage. Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah said, “After decades of encroachment and neglect, the world-famous birthplace of Mahapurush Srimanta Shankar Dev in Nagaon has now been cleared, restored and fully redeveloped.” He described his visit to the sacred land as deeply significant, noting that it was from this very soil that Srimanta Sankardev propagated the Neo-Vaishnavite faith, not only across Assam but throughout the entire North East, shaping it into a powerful spiritual and social movement. Recalling the contribution of Bharat Ratna Gopinath Bordoloi, Shah said that if Bordoloi had not played a decisive role at a critical juncture in India’s history, Assam and the North East might not have remained an integral part of the Indian Union. He stated that Bordoloi’s resolve and leadership ensured the safeguarding of the region’s identity and future. The Union Home minister said that an ‘Aavirbhav Kshetra’—marking the sacred birthplace of Srimanta Sankardev has now been formally created at Batadrava Than. “The redevelopment project was executed in three phases, with an investment of more than ₹222 cr, spread across nearly 162 bighas of land. According to Shah, every element of the Neo-Vaishnavite tradition has been meticulously brought to life at the site, following detailed study and faithful interpretation of the religious symbols and philosophies described in the Shrimad Bhagavata,” Shah stated. He also emphasised that the planners and architects undertook an in-depth examination of scriptural references, cultural motifs and spiritual practices to ensure that the redevelopment remained true to the ethos of Srimanta Sankardev, “This is not merely a construction project, but an effort to give concrete and devotional form to centuries-old faith, tradition and values.” Highlighting the broader significance of the site, Shah said that Batadrava Than is no longer just an ordinary place of worship. “It has now emerged as a sacred pilgrimage centre that connects the present generation with a 500-year-old living heritage.” He recalled that he himself had laid the foundation stone of the project on December 26, 2020, and expressed gratitude for being able to inaugurate the completed complex, calling it a moment of personal fulfilment. The Home Minister reiterated that Srimanta Sankardev’s greatest contribution lay in establishing the Neo-Vaishnavite faith and firmly rooting it across the North East. Through the philosophy of ‘Eka Sarana Nama Dharma’, the saint-reformer taught people to worship one God, live a virtuous life, and uphold dharma while treating the motherland with reverence. “Batadrava Than is not merely a namghar or a religious structure, but a living symbol of Assam’s harmony, inclusiveness and goodwill,” he added and expressed confidence that the redeveloped site would emerge as a centre for promoting Assam’s shared culture, collective devotion and spiritual learning. In doing so, it would also strengthen the message of humanity, equality and love for the motherland that Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev championed. Shah mentioned that the saint’s teachings remind us that human life itself is sacred and that being born on the holy land of India is a great fortune. “The rejuvenation of Batadrava Than,” he added, “stands as a tribute to those timeless ideals and as a beacon for future generations to draw inspiration from Assam’s profound spiritual heritage.” The event was also attended by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, along with several other ministers, legislators, senior officials and religious leaders.
