Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday paid tribute to Vaishnavite saint and social reformer Srimanta Sankardev on his Tirobhav Tithi, recalling his contribution to India’s cultural unity and the social, religious and literary life of Assam.
In a post on X, Sarma described Sankardev as one of the great Vaishnavite saints of Bharat and said his spiritual vision had strengthened the country’s civilisational and cultural unity.
“Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev was one of the great Vaishnavite saints of Bharat, whose spiritual vision strengthened the civilisational and cultural unity of our nation,” Sarma said.
The chief minister also highlighted Sankardev’s wider contribution to Assamese society through his teachings, art and literature. He said the saint’s work helped carry the values of Sanatan Dharma from one generation to another.
“Through his profound teachings, art and literature, Gurujona enriched Assamese society while carrying the timeless values of Sanatan Dharma to generations,” Sarma said.
Sarma offered his tributes at the “holy feet” of Sankardev on the occasion of the saint’s sacred Tirobhav Tithi.
Srimanta Sankardev, who lived during the 15th and 16th centuries, is widely regarded as the founder of Ekasarana Naam Dharma. His influence extends across Assam’s religious, cultural and literary traditions, with his teachings shaping the state’s social and spiritual life over several centuries.
Sankardev’s legacy is also closely associated with the development of Assamese literature, music, theatre and visual arts. Through his religious and cultural movement, he helped establish traditions that continue to play an important role in Assamese society.
The Tirobhav Tithi is observed across Assam with religious and cultural programmes at naamghars, satras and other institutions associated with the saint’s legacy. The occasion is marked by prayers, naam-kirtan and discussions on Sankardev’s teachings and contributions.
Sarma’s tribute on the occasion highlighted the continuing relevance of Sankardev’s ideas and his role in shaping Assam’s cultural identity while contributing to a wider Indian civilisational tradition.
