Shrimant Shankar Dev’s ideas are the foundation of social harmony and cultural diversity – Shri Deka
The entire country is proud of Shrimant Shankar Dev’s writings – Shri Sai
Raipur, January 21, 2026/ On the initiative of Governor Shri Ramesh Deka, a grand inauguration of a research institute dedicated to the thoughts, philosophy, and literature of the great saint, social reformer, and proponent of cultural consciousness, Shrimant Shankardev, established at Pt. Ravi Shankar Shukla University, was held today in a dignified ceremony.
On this occasion, the program was presided over by Governor Shri Ramesh Deka. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Higher Education Minister Shri Tankaram Verma, Dr. Krishan Gopal Ji, Sah-Sarkaryavah, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, along with scholars from the academic world, researchers, the youth, and distinguished citizens were present in large numbers. Along with this, an MoU was also signed between Punjab University, Chandigarh, and Pt. Ravi Shankar Shukla University, Raipur. After the MoU, researchers from both universities will be able to conduct interdisciplinary research at each other’s universities.
In his address on the occasion, the Governor said that the ideas of Shrimant Shankar Dev continue to inspire society to unite, establish equality, and strengthen human values.
Shri Deka said that the establishment of this research chair is an important initiative towards connecting the cultural heritage of Northeast India and Central India at the academic and research level. This research chair will become a strong center for focused study on India’s great saint tradition, the Bhakti movement, and social reforms. He said that such academic endeavors further strengthen the cultural unity of the country.
The Chhattisgarh government has provided Rs 2 crore in the current financial year for the operation of this research chair, for which he thanked Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai.
The Governor said that Shrimant Shankar Dev earned fame as a social reformer, educationist, artist, playwright, stage director, painter, writer, lyricist, musician, and propagator and preacher of Vaishnavism. Describing Shrimant Shankar Dev as a great social reformer of Northeast India, he said that he envisioned a harmonious society rising above caste, class, and religion. Through the Namghar and Satra tradition, he strengthened a social system based on equality, compassion, and generosity. The literature ‘Ankia Naat’ and ‘Borgeet’ composed by Shrimant Shankar Dev are invaluable heritage of Indian cultural heritage today. His ideas united the Assamese society and gave a new direction to social consciousness.
On this occasion, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said that although the area of work of the revered Shankardev Ji was Assam, the social awakening he brought about had an impact on the entire country. The literature, plays, and bhajans composed by Shrimant Shankar Dev proclaim Indian culture. Our country is known for its unity and integrity. Behind this are the sons of Mother India like Shri Shankardev Ji, who dedicated their entire lives to the country’s culture. By telling the current and new generation about the contribution of their ancestors, we can build a capable and prosperous India. This instills a sense of patriotism in people. Shri Shankar Dev Ji, in one of his compositions, said that taking birth in India is a matter of great fortune. The message of one India that he gave 500 years ago is being realized today by our honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji by giving the slogan ‘Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat’.
Addressing the program, the chief speaker, Dr. Krishan Gopal Ji, said that Assam is a state full of diversity. It has various types of geographical terrains, rivers, mountains, forests, and dense vegetation. Because of this, various tribes have lived here for thousands of years. Shrimant Shankar Dev did the important work of uniting these tribes. He connected people through devotion to Shri Krishna. He is a prominent figure of the Bhakti movement, and he authored literature, drama, and singing, and provided training. He established Namghars in every village. Today, every village in Assam has a Namghar. It is called a home of devotion, culture, and social harmony. He elaborated on the contributions of Shrimant Shankar Dev.
Higher Education Minister Shri Tank Ram Verma said that Shrimant Shankardev did not limit education to literacy but connected it with values and culture. This research institute will emerge not just as a building but as a workshop of ideas. The research papers emanating from here will give a new identity to Indian knowledge tradition at the national and international levels.
At the end of the program, all the collaborators and the management committee involved in the establishment of the institute were congratulated, and it was expressed with hope that this center will become a major center for knowledge, innovation, and the pursuit of truth in the future and will establish the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam on the world stage.
It is noteworthy that the main objective of establishing the Shrimant Shankar Dev Research Chair is to bring to the Indian masses the contribution and extensive impact of great saints associated with the Bhakti movement of Northeast India and Central India, as well as to document the oral traditions of the tribal cultural heritage of both regions. Research scholarships will also be provided to researchers through the research chair. Researchers in subjects such as language, literature, history, ancient Indian history, regional studies, sociology, and social work can conduct research at the research chair.