SOCIETY FOR SRIMANTA SANKARADEVA is a socio-economic, cultural and spiritualcorganization duly registered under S.R. Act of India. This society was formed in May 2011 with the aim of creating awareness about the multi-faceted contributions of Srimanta Sankaradeva and to spread the universal message as well as glory of the saint all over the world. It has so far carried out the following activities.
1. Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva (SSS) assisted preparation of dossier for UNESCO to apply for WHS status for Majuli. The Society is working for Majuli along with its virtual group
‘Friends of Majuli’ https://www.facebook.com/groups/147415871995236.
2. The Society held a workshop in Dibrugarh University at Centre for Management Studies CMS) on September 24, 2011 on the topic ‘Relevance of Sankaradeva Legacy in Management’, in association with the Centre for Management Studies.
3. The Society assisted a school-level awareness campaign at Philobari, Tinsukia.
4. The Society assisted a national seminar on Srimanta Sankaradeva in New Delhi organized by Asom Sattra Mahasabha, Delhi branch.
5. The official website of the Society dedicated to life and works of Srimanta Sankaradeva www.sankaradeva.com was launched on January 1, 2012. It was designed by the admin, web-designer Ashim Dutta.
6. The Society was associated with a website on Barpeta Than, www.barpetasatra.com preparedvby Devotees Forum of Barpeta Sattra.
7. The Society assisted the unity bid of all Mahapurushiya organizations by first bringing them together on one platform on January 1 and then joining a co-ordination committee formed on March 6 along with Srimanta Sankaradeva Sangha, Asom Sattra Mahasabha, Ek Saran Bhagavati Samaj. The forum was named Srimanta Sankaradeva Mancha. Amal Mahanta of SSS was elected Assistant Secretary of the Mancha on May 19, 2013.
8. The Society collaborated with Batadrava Than to construct and maintain their website www.bordowathan.com. It was a joint initiative of the Society and Bordowa Than. It was launched on Aug 19, 2012.
9. The Society vehemently protested the defamatory statement by the World Bodo History Association about a verse in Kirtan-Ghosha.2
10. The Society held an international conference on Majuli on July 8, 2012. It was organized in collaboration with several international bodies – Core Professional Group-Brahmaputra, Friends of Assam and Seven Sisters (FASS) International (USA), Assam Society of America Foundation (USA), and Majuli Cultural Landscape Management Authority (MCLMA).
11. President of the Society, Dr Sanjib Kumar Borkakoti was made a member of the advisory committee on world heritage in the context of Majuli by Govt of India and he attended its meeting in New Delhi on Aug 13, 2012 on behalf of the Society.
12. The book ‘Great Songs’ published by ‘Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva’ was released on August 26 in Guwahati. It is translation of Srimanta Sankaradeva’s unique lyric composition, Bargît by Dr Sanjib Kumar Borkakoti. It was sponsored by Dr Durlov Chamua. Earlier a multi-coloured brochure on life and works of Srimanta Sankaradeva was also readied for distribution outside the state. Thus, the publication wing of the Society was launched.
13. The name of Batadrava Than was proposed by the Society for inclusion in Tentative List of World heritage Sites in a national workshop of Archeological Survey of India on November 3, 2012. ASI took up the suggestion, which may be amalgamated with the Majuli proposal for WHS.
14. The Society extended assistance to the flood & erosion affected people of Majuli on November 22, 2012. The relief operation was carried out in Salmora area, which happens to be the worst affected area in Majuli people still living on embankment as they lost their homes to erosion.
15. Budhindra Nath Barpathak, the veteran artist of Sanchipat was felicitated and offered financial aid in Auniati Sattra, Majuli on January 18, 2012.
16. The Society held a press meet to demand inclusion of life and works of Srimanta Sankaradeva in curriculum in both national and state level. Appeals were sent to NCERT and SCERT. The NCERT responded positively and promised to do it in next revision of curriculum.
This achievement was widely published in media all over India. SCERT of Assam however did not promise any revision in their reply.
17. The Society brought out English translation of Srimanta Sankaradeva’s holy book ‘Gunamala’. It was sponsored by Bhoirob Chandra Mahanta. The translation was done by Dr Sanjib Kumar Borkakoti. The transliteration of original verse was done by Jadav Chandra Mahanta. The book launch function was held on April 7, 2012 at Nagaon.
18. The Society felicitated eight artists for their immense contribution to Sankari Art and Culture. The felicitation took place at Jorhat Press Club in Jorhat on May 5, 2012. The artists were: Sri Jogen Dutta Bayan (Uttar Kamalabari Sattra, Majuli), Sri Lakshan Pathak Saikia (Natun Kamalabari Sattra, Majuli), Sri Hem Chandra Goswami (Chamaguri Sattra, Majuli), Sri3 Girin Mahanta (Kakajan Sipaha Sattra, Jorhat), Sri Kanuram Bora (Joraguri, Rongamati, Dergaon), Sri Gopal Bora (Missamora, Dergaon), Sri Jatin Mahanta (Nangalamara Katanipar Sattra, Simaluguri), and Bayan Khireswar Hazarika (Milan Nagar, Dibrugarh).
19. A workshop on “Manuscript preparation and painting in Sankari art form” was held under the auspices of the Society from July 7 to 11, 2013 at Dhing. Mridu Moucham Bora was the instructor in this workshop where 39 students participated. An exhibition of the paintings drawn by the trainees was also held on 11th July.
20. The Society was entrusted to construct and maintain the website of Srimanta Sankaradeva Sangha. It is www.srimantasankaradevasangha.org. It was launched on September 28, 2013.
21. The Society started a regular News-letter facility for the users of the website www.sankaradeva.com w.e.f. July 26, 2013.
22. The Society launched a mobile application on Srimanta Sankaradeva and also started a mobile version of its website www.sankaradeva.com in August, 2013.
23. A petition campaign was launched by the Society through www.change.org to pressurize NCERT to incorporate life and works of Srimanta Sankaradeva in school curriculum. The petition was sent to NCERT.
24. Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva extracted a categorical promise from Richard Blurton, the Curator of British Museum that the Vrindavani Bastra will be allowed to be brought to Assam for public display. The President of SSS called on Richard Blurton on November 21, 2013 in Guwahati. We asserted the claim of people of Assam on the Vrindavani Bastra. The Curator agreed to lend the cloth to Assam for public display.
25. Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva celebrated a unique event ‘Nagaon Friendship Day’ on January 5, 2014 in Nagaon. The event honored eleven artisans contributing to Sankari culture. They were Sri Dharmakanta Mahanta, Raidangia, Nagaon (Guru Asan construction), Sri Thuleswar Barua, Bardowa, Nagaon (Kuhila product making), Sri Shishuram Barua, Bardowa, Nagaon (Kuhila product making), Sri Madhav Das, Nagaon (Khol making), Sri Rakhal Das, Nagaon (Khol making), Sri Nityananda Goswami, Kuji Sattra, Marigaon (Kuhila product making, Khol making, Fireworks preparation), Sri Kaliram Bora, Bheleuguri, Nagaon (Kali playing), Sri Jadab Chandra Mahanta, Titabor (Sanchipat preparation, Mask making, Ink making, Costume making), Sri Bishnuram Handique, Jorhat (Sanchipat preparation, Ink making), Sri Girish Chandra Mahanta, Charing, Sivasagar (Mask making) and Sri Devakanta Hazarika, Puranigudam, Nagaon (Mask making). They were given financial assistance of Rs 5,000 each. A Friendship Walk took place in the Nagaon town on that morning. Several social organizations including Batadrava Than, Asom Sattra Mahasabha, Srimanta Sankaradeva Sangha, Sutradhaar and Kalang Kala Kendra took part in the Walk. The event was sponsored by several non-resident Assamese.4
26. Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva opened a new page in its website www.sankaradeva.com to give information of public importance about the newly opened university, Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya. The link is https://sankaradeva.com/univnotification.
27. Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva held its second workshop on Sanchipat preparation and painting in Sankari art form at Dhing from July 9 to 13, 2014 in collaboration with DEW, a socio-cultural organization. Mridu Moucham Bora was the instructor in this workshop. An exhibition of the paintings drawn by the trainees was also held on 13th July.
28. Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva held a workshop on Bhaona in Cotton College, Guwahati from July 10 to 20, 2014 in collaboration with SATKARA and Centre for Studies in Humanities, Cotton College. Pabitra Pran Bora of Srimanta Sankaradeva Sangha was the instructor in this workshop.
29. An exhibition of Sanchipat paintings was held in Nagaon on on Aug 3, 2014. It was only for the members of the society. The Sanchipat paintings were produced by the trainees in two workshops organised by the Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva.
30. Pushpa Narayan Bhakat (born 1929) was felicitated by Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva (SSS) on Sep 7, 2014 at his residence in Salbari village, Tufanganj, West Bengal for his dedication to spread Eka Sharana Nama Dharma in West Bengal. SSS was represented by Palash Pratim Bora.
31. Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva organized a national seminar on Srimanta Sankaradeva’s Contributions in Madhupur Than, Kochbehar on Nov 23, 2014 to create awareness about the saint’s work in West Bengal. Several scholars from both Assam and West Bengal spoke on the life and works of Srimanta Sankaradeva in the seminar. The scholars from West Bengal were Prasenjit Barman, former MP and Member of Kochbehar Debottar Trust, Himadri Sankar Bhattacharjee of Kochbehar, Dr Nripendra Nath Paul of Kochbehar, and Dr Sachindra Nath Roy of Kochbehar. Dr Kandarpa Kumar Deka, Vice Chancellor of Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya inaugurated the seminar. An exhibition of Sanchipat, Masks etc was held as a part of the event. It was inaugurated by Rajanikanta Dutta, Padadhikar of Srimanta Sankardeva Sangha. The seminar was attended by Jitendra Pradhani, the newly elected President of Asom Sattra Mahasabha and Babul Bora, Chief Secretary of Srimanta Sankaradeva Sangha. Eminent author, Dr Karabi Deka Hazarika, Professor of Assamese, Dibrugarh University also participated in the seminar. Lakhikanta Mahanta, Sattradhikar of Madhupur Than lit the ceremonial lamp to start the proceedings. There was a Lecture-cum-demonstration of Sattriya Nritya by Prateesha Suresh from Mumbai in the event. Eminent artist Pabitrapran Bora performed Sutradhari Nritya. Manoj Kumar Das of Barpeta gave solo Khol recital. Kamal Krishna Barua, Pranjit Boruah, and Lalita Barman, artists of Srimanta Sankaradeva Sangha performed different items of Sankari dance and music. Ranjan Bezbaruah recited Totay and also a Sanskrit translation of Bargeet in the event. The promo-version of a CD by him was also5 released in the event. The devotees of Sankardev Namghar, Kokrajhar performed Nam-Kirtan.
The local devotees of Madhupur also performed Nam-Kirtan. Dr Sanjib Kumar Borkakoti, President of Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva conducted the seminar.
32. Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva organized a 45-day residential workshop on Aharya of Bhaona, sponsored by Sangeet Natak Akademy in Dec’14 – Jan’15 at Dhing. 29 unemployed youths from different parts of Assam were taught about correct forms of Aharya. They were also trained in production of all seven components of Aharya, including costume, jewellery, headgear, make-up etc, so that they could start their own production centres and become self- employed.
33. A UGC sponsored National Seminar on ‘ Srimanta Sankaradeva as an innovator’ was organised by ADP College Teacher’s Council in collaboration with Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva on August 21-22, 2015. More than 200 scholars from different colleges and universities participated in the seminar. There were as many as 16 technical sessions.
34. An exhibition of Bhaona Aharjya items (Costume, Mask, Headgear, Ornaments etc) was held by the Society in Rabindra Bhavan, Guwahati from 15 to 18 November, 2015. The products were prepared by the trainees in a workshop organised by us in December 2014.
35. Majuli Friendship Day was celebrated by Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva in Nagaon by us on January 3, 2016. We felicitated Jadav Payeng for his immense contribution to ecological restoration works. We also explored inexpensive ways to arrest erosion in Majuli. Dr Kandarpa Kumar Deka, Shantanoo Bhattacharyya, Dr Prashanta Bordoloi, Rituraj Phukan, Dr Arun Sarma,
Dr Dilip Medhi, Dr Rajan Vaidhya, Janardan Goswami, Dr Binoy Bordoloi gave their valuable presentations in the event. There was enchanting cultural performance by Madhab Krishna Das, Meenakshi Medhi, Ranjan Bezbaruah and the devotees of Srimanta Sankaradeva Sangha. Jadav Payeng planted tree in ADP College in the morning.
36. Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva took part in the first ever ‘Make in India Week’ organised by Government of India in Mumbai from 13 February, 2016. Our seven-member team displayed production of Aharya of Ankiya Bhaona there. We had collaboration with Sangeet Natak Akademi for this. Ours was the only team from Assam. Govt of India selected us for participation in this international event where 60 countries joined. Our members displayed different Aharya items and showed the production process right in the exhibition. Our team was led by Mridu Moucham Bora, a costume expert and Secretary of the Society. Other members of the team were Papu Das (Nagaon), Ranjan Kr Bora (Jorhat), Sujit Barua (Sivasagar), Jonmani Baruah (Nagaon), Mitali Das (Nagaon) and Mitali Phukan Bora (Nagaon). While Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the main event, Governor of Maharashtra Vidyasagar Rao inaugurated the cultural section of the exhibition, where the Assam stall was situated.
37. Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva organized a 5-day long state level workshop on ‘Preparation of Sanchipaat manuscript and painting in Sankari style’ in Bardowa Than from 24th6 July, 2016. Trainees from different parts of Assam registered for this workshop. Mridu Moucham Bora imparted training. Use of traditional dye Hengul-Haital was taught. Devananda Deva Goswami, Sattradhikar, Narowa Sattra inaugurated it.
38. Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva gave financial aid to Lakhikanta Mahanta, Sattradhikar of Madhupur Than, Kochbehar, who was ailing from kidney problem on Aug 29, 2016. Indranil Gayan and Anjana Tamuly represented Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva.
39. Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva met the cultural minister and requested him to expedite the world heritage effort for Majuli on Aug 29, 2016.
40. Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva established a “Cultural Heritage Centre” in Dhing, on 3rd September, 2016 consisting two components: (i) Aharya Production Centre, (ii) Manuscript Conservation and Resource Centre.
41. A Bargeet Samaroh titled SANGEETAM was held under the auspices of Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva at Duliajan on December 25, 2016 in association with Duliajan Club. The
Sattriya Kendra of Sangeet Natak Akademy sponsored the event. Several maestros presented Bargeet in full classical style. The maestros who performed were Nilakanta Burabhakat of Bhogpur Sattra, Majuli, Gunindra Nath Oja of Barpeta, Gopiram Borgayan Oja Burabhakat and Upen Borgayan of Uttar Kamalabari Sattra, Majuli, Dhiren Chekonidhara of Narayanpur, Dr Pabitrapran Goswami of Saudkuchi Sattra, Jorhat and Ranjit Bora of Golaghat. Nilakanta Burabhakat and Gopiram Borgayan Oja Burabhakat also performed Oja-geet. The event was started by a performance of Ranjan Bezbaruah of Nagaon, who sang a Bargeet in Sanskrit. Dr Mallika Kandali performed a Sattriya Nritya based on Bargeet. There was also an exhibition- cum-sale of Aharya and manuscript paintings made by the trainees of Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva in different workshops. Hemaprabha Chutiya’s depiction of Namghosha and Gunamala in cloth were also exhibited in it.
42. Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva prepared the entire Aharya used in the Ankiya Bhaona of Srimanta Sankaradeva’s ‘Ram-Vijay’. It was performed in Spanish language at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra in Guwahati from 8th to 10th January, 2017. Twelve actors from abroad hailing from five different countries France, Mexico, Denmark, Belgium and Slovenia performed. It was directed by Dr Bhabananda Barbayan of Uttar Kamalabari Sattra. Mridu Moucham Bora was the over-all costume designer. Others engaged in Aharya production were Ranjan Kumar Bora, Papu Das, Nilamoni Bora, Ramen Bora, Jonmoni Bora, Mitali Das, Kabita Phukan and Kusum Saikia.
43. Workshop on “Manuscript preparation and painting in Sankari art form” have been conducted by Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva regularly EVERY YEAR since the first workshop held in 2013. Mridu Moucham Bora has been conducting these workshops. These have been held in different places like Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra (Guwahati), Batadrava Than (Bordowa), Dhing College (Dhing), Mangaldoi College (Mangaldoi), Department of Historical and Antiquarian Studies (Guwahati) etc.7
44. Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva entered into collaboration with the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), North East zone since 2022 in its activities of workshops and webinars.
45. Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva entered into collaboration with the International Committee on Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICICH) since 2022 in its webinars.
46. Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva conducted a series of webinars on different aspects of Srimanta Sankaradeva’s contributions during the COVID period, when offline activities were stopped. The presentations in these were later brought out in book form in the name ‘Different Dimensions of Srimanta Sankaradeva’ edited by Dr Sanjib Kr Borkakoti. These webinars had Delphic Council of North East India, and ICOMOS, NE zone as collaborators.
47. Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva held a 2-day workshop on ‘Brajawali’ in Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra (Guwahati), on 20-21 November, 2022 in partnership with ‘Parampara Prabah’. Dr Basanta Kumar Goswami was the main resource person. Prof Mukul Chakravarty, Prof Nani Gopal Mahanta and Kanaklal Das also spoke.
48. Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva started an Internship Program on ‘Manuscript and Manuscriptology’ for undergraduate course in 2025 as per new education policy, starting with Dhing College.
49. In April, 2026, the website of Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva was completely renovated and restructured by the admin Ashim Dutta, adding many new features.
50. In addition to Dhing College, Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva expanded its Internship Program on ‘Manuscript and Manuscriptology’ to Mangaldoi College, Jagiroad College and Karmashree Hiteswar Saikia College in 2026. These were done in collaboration with ICOMOS India, North East zone.
51. A six-month long add-on course on ‘Manuscript and Manuscriptology’ was started in Sankardev Study Centre of Jagiroad College (Autonomous) by the Society. The course started from September 19th September, 2026.
52. MoU was signed by Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva with Dhing College in 2025 for collaboration in academic and cultural activities. In 2026, MoU’s were signed with Mangaldoi College, Jagiroad College and Royal Global University.
53. Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva was engaged in conservation of Sanchipat Manuscripts and other artefacts from the flood affected areas in upper Assam. A team led by heritage expert Mridu Moucham Bora rescued 101 manuscripts and 4 wooden objects from flood. We received financial assistance from Royal Global University, Guwahati, Dr Binoy K. Bordoloi, Chairman, Naamghar Association of America, USA, Dr Sanjib Bhuyan, USA, Cotton Collegiate Ex Students Group, 1976 and others.8
54. Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva became a partner of Dronah Foundation, National Institute of Urban Affairs, and ICOMOS India in an initiative for documentation of seven historically significant cities of Northeast India and their associated heritage sites in 2026. The Society assisted the heritage city programs for Guwahati, Hajo and Tezpur.
55. A digital archive was created in the website of Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva in August, 2026, where Sanchipat Manuscripts were uploaded.