JORHAT, July 7 - State Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today attended a function organised at the Dakhinpat Satra of Majuli on the occasion of the Satra's undertaking a major cultural initiative to reproduce the sacred Vrindavani Vastra and spun yarn to be used at the production of the drape by weavers at the Satra.
Sonowal also laid the foundation stone for construction of a museum at the Satra by the Cultural Affairs Department of the State Government in a bid to scientifically preserve the valuable artifacts available at the Satra. The cost of the project is Rs 3.6 crore.
It may be mentioned here that the original Vrindavani Vastra was produced during the 16th century by weavers of the State under the guidance of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev. The Vrindavani Vastra depicts the childhood activities of Lord Krishna at Vrindavan. Parts of the original drape are presently preserved at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and Guimet Museum in Paris.
A Majuli district administration source stated that the Chief Minister while speaking on the occasion, said that the State Government has initiated steps to bring the Vrindavani Vastra back to Assam from Britain and Paris where it is being presently preserved in the museums.
He said that the State Cultural Affairs department has already made all necessary studies on the matter and has prepared a roadmap to arrange for display of the sacred drape in Assam, the source informed.
Sonowal lauded the initiative of the Dakhinpat Satra to reproduce the sacred drape. He said that the step taken by the Satra would facilitate the upcoming generation to understand the invaluable contribution and legacy of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev and introduce them to the unique weaving skill of the Assamese weavers.
Further, the Chief Minister said that Dakhinpat Satra is a treasure-trove of a large number of precious artifacts reflecting the rich socio-religious heritage of the State. He also observed that the initiative taken by the Cultural affairs department to build a museum in the Satra would significantly help in scientific preservation of the artifacts.
The Chief Minister along with other dignitaries also released a souvenir published to mark the occasion, the source stated.
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Cultural Affairs Naba Kumar Doley, Chairman of Assam Fishery Development Corporation Ramakanta Deuri and social worker Basistha Buzarbaruah also addressed the gathering. The function was presided over by the Satradhikar of Dakhinpat Satra Nani Gopal Devagoswami.
The programme was also attended by MLAs Bimal Bora, Bhabendra Nath Bharali, Angoorlata Deka and the Commissioner of Upper Assam Division Juli Sonowal, Secretary of Cultural Affairs Department Madhurima Sen Baruah, Majuli Deputy Commissioner Debaprasad Misra, Vice Chancellor of Majuli Cultural University Dr Dambarudhar Nath, among others.
Coinciding with the occasion, the Chief Minister also launched �Ganga Jamuna Project� to be implemented by Assam Fishery Development Corporation under the Chief Minister�s Waterbody Conservation and Development Scheme in Majuli at the Satra premises. He also released fingerlings at a pond in the Satra to mark the launch of the scheme.
