Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the redeveloped birthplace of the great Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankardeva in Assam on Monday. The site, called Batadrava Than, is located in the Nagaon district of Assam. This redevelopment project has been completed at a cost of Rs 227 crore and was formally opened in a ceremony attended by top leaders and officials.

The redevelopment of Batadrava Than aims to make the historic site a major tourist attraction. It also seeks to highlight the life, ideals, and artistic heritage of Srimanta Sankardeva and to preserve Assam’s rich cultural traditions. The inauguration underlines the government’s commitment to protecting and promoting the cultural heritage of the state.

At the inauguration ceremony, Union Home Minister Amit Shah was joined by several prominent leaders. These included Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and Pabitra Margherita, and Assam’s Cultural Affairs Minister Bimal Bora.

When he arrived at the site, Amit Shah was welcomed in a traditional way. A group of local performers gave him a ‘Sattriya’ welcome, with singing and drumming by the gayan-bayan artists, reflecting the local culture and traditions.

During his visit, Amit Shah also walked around the main central building of the complex. At the heart of this building is the ‘Guru Asana’, which is the sacred seat of Srimanta Sankardeva. This place holds deep spiritual importance, as it is where worshippers and visitors pay respect to the saint’s legacy.

The idea to redevelop Batadrava Than was first proposed in the 2021-22 Assam state budget. The project is officially named ‘Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva Abhirbhav Kshetra’. This name signifies the birthplace and life journey of the saint, as well as his contributions to culture, art, and religion.

The redevelopment work was carried out over several years and has now been completed. It was designed not only to make the site attractive for tourists but also to tell the story of Sankardeva’s life and the heritage he left behind. The project reflects various artistic traditions of Assam and is intended to be a place where people can learn about the saint’s teachings and cultural contributions.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma spoke about the importance of this project. He said that the redevelopment honours the legacy of Srimanta Sankardeva and deepens the state’s commitment to protecting cultural institutions such as satras and namghars, which are central to Assamese spiritual life. He is quoted as saying:

“The project (Abhirbhav Kshetra), honouring Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev’s legacy, strengthens our commitment to preserving Assam’s satras, namghars and cultural heritage.”

In another statement, Chief Minister Sarma spoke about the future impact of the site. He explained that the redevelopment will help make Batadrava Than a national and international destination for both spiritual and cultural tourism. He said this will carry the message and contributions of Srimanta Sankardeva forward to future generations.

The redevelopment of Batadrava Than is seen as a significant step in preserving Assam’s spiritual roots. By showcasing the life and work of Srimanta Sankardeva, the site will not only attract devotees but also students, researchers, and tourists interested in culture and history. The presence of additional elements such as art displays, cultural motifs, and dedicated spaces for performances further enriches the experience.

Overall, the project is expected to serve as a model for cultural preservation. It highlights Assam’s artistic heritage and honours one of the most influential figures in the state’s history. By combining spiritual significance, architectural beauty, and cultural storytelling, the redevelopment of Batadrava Than aims to create a lasting legacy that both locals and visitors can appreciate.