‘Namghar’ Unites the Voices of Assam and Maharashtra
Dr. Sri Sri Pitambar Dev Goswami’s Remarks
Inauguration of the ‘Namghar’ Built by Sarhad at Gujar–Nimbalkarwadi
Pune,Rongili Barta: Recalling how Saint Srimanta Sankardev in Assam and Saint Dnyaneshwar and Saint Tukaram Maharaj in Maharashtra awakened society during medieval times through their teachings and writings despite adverse circumstances, Dr. Sri Sri Pitambar Dev Goswami stated that the establishment of the Namghar has symbolically united the voices of Maharashtra and Assam.
He remarked that while the Namghar serves as the cultural and spiritual center of life in Assam, building one for the first time in Maharashtra and Pune is particularly meaningful in today’s context. He credited Sanjay Nahar for this unique initiative.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Sarhad Founder-President Sanjay Nahar, eminent scholar of saint literature and former President of the All India Marathi Literary Conference Dr. Sadanand More, Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University and former Assam State Information Commissioner Dr. Samudragupta Kashyap, Dr. Shailesh Pagaria, Shailesh Wadekar, and several other distinguished guests.
Before the inauguration, a colorful procession comprising all dignitaries was taken from the entrance of the campus to the Namghar building. The procession, conducted entirely in traditional Assamese style, featured Assamese musical instruments and participants dressed in traditional Assamese attire.
Dr. Goswami explained that the Namghar represents the purest form of the Bhakti tradition. It nurtures values of spiritual discourse, fellowship, goodwill, righteous conduct, and virtuous action. The glory of the Divine Name is celebrated through collective chanting and kirtan dedicated to Hari, Vishnu, and Lord Krishna.
Dr. Sadanand More highlighted the connection between Assam’s Vaishnava Bhakti tradition and Maharashtra’s Bhagavata and Varkari traditions. He emphasized that the saints of both regions promoted equality, humanity, and social harmony.
Dr. Samudragupta Kashyap noted that Sankardev’s message of humanity, equality, and harmony was intended for the entire nation. He added that Sanjay Nahar, through Sarhad, is working to advance the same ideals of human unity.
Sanjay Nahar expressed his happiness that Maharashtra and Assam have once again been connected through the Namghar. He noted that the progressive vision articulated by Srimanta Sankardev closely parallels the ideas propagated by Maharashtra’s saints such as Dnyaneshwar, Tukaram, Eknath, and Namdev.
The event also featured dance performances by Devika Borthakur and Sakshi Gaikwad. The programme was compered by Dr. Niva Devi Sarma and Pratibha Dudhane.