Governor presents Srimanta Sankardeva Award 2023 to Dr. Sonal Mansingh
Guwahati,Rongili Barta: In a grand celebration of art, culture, and spiritual heritage, Assam Governor Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya conferred Srimanta Sankardeva Award 2023 on Padma Vibhushan Dr. Sonal Mansingh, one of India’s most distinguished classical dancers, at a ceremonial event held at Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra here today in the presence of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal and other eminent dignitaries.
In his address, Governor Shri Acharya paid rich tributes to Srimanta Sankardeva, describing him a spiritual luminary and cultural reformer who transcended regional boundaries to become a national symbol of unity, harmony, and inclusiveness. “Srimanta Sankardeva was not just a saint of Assam or the Northeast; he was a symbol of India’s collective cultural consciousness,” said the Governor.
Highlighting the saint’s legacy, Governor Shri Acharya spoke on Sankardeva’s role in advancing Neo-Vaishnavism or Ek Sarana Naam Dharma which promoted social equality and broke down caste hierarchies through devotion, art, music, drama, and philosophical thought. He further said that Mahapurush Srimnata Sankardeva’s contributions such as Borgeet, Ankiya Naat, and his translations of the Bhagavata Purana—continue to shape Assam’s cultural identity.
The Governor also lauded the efforts of the Government of Assam in preserving and promoting the legacy of Srimanta Sankardeva through initiatives like the development of Batadrava Than, Patbausi Satra, Sankardeva Kalakshetra, and the institution of the Srimanta Sankardeva Chair in various educational institutions across the state and the country.
Conferring the award on Dr. Sonal Mansingh, the Governor recognized her lifelong dedication to Indian classical dance, cultural advocacy, and social reform. “This award is not just a tribute to her persona, but a recognition of her relentless service in upholding and modernizing the spirit of Indian heritage,” he said.
Dr. Mansingh, a doyen of Bharatanatyam and Odissi, has spent decades championing Indian traditions through performance, education, and policymaking. On the occasion, Governor Acharya called on the youth and said, “Let our younger generation take inspiration from the life and teachings of Srimanta Sankardeva. Let them become ambassadors of India’s timeless values through research, expression, and community service.”
He also expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma for his visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to Assam’s cultural and spiritual development.
The program was attended by Minister of Culture Bimal Bora,Chief Secretary of Assam, Dr. Ravi Kota, eminent dancer, Padma Bhushan Jatin Goswami along with a host of other dignitaries.