GUWAHATI, March 17 - Governor Banwarilal Purohit has made a request to Kolkata-based British Deputy High Commissioner Bruce Bucknell to do the needful for returning the Vrindavani Vastra, the 16th century treasure of the State to Assam.
The British envoy, who is on a tour of Assam, this morning called on the Governor at Raj Bhavan here and the duo talked on a wide spectrum of issues of mutual interests. Purohit drew the attention of Bucknell that once Assam�s treasure, Vrindavani Vastra, a drape woven by Assamese weavers during the 16th century under the guidance of the Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankaradeva, is in the possession of Victoria and Albert Museum London, and he sought his help in the getting the drape back to Assam.
Drawing the attention of the British envoy, Purohit said the State is rich in eri and muga silk, handloom and bamboo craft, among others, and both Assam and Britain can work on these sectors for their further promotion so that both the geographical entities can reap rich dividends from these sectors. He also requested Britain�s help to organise an exhibition of Assam�s handicrafts in Britain.
Highlighting Assam�s richness in cultural diversity, the Governor sought facilitation of cultural exchanges between Assam and Britain and said the cultural troupes of Assam should be invited in Britain to perform in the Royal Albert Hall and the same would follow suit in Assam.
The British Deputy High Commissioner hailed Assam�s prolific and pristine tourism and said that the State�s tourism can be extensively used to facilitate people to people contact between India and Britain.
