Dibrugarh University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Srimanta Sankardev Chair at Panjab University, Chandigarh, to promote research, cultural exchange, and academic studies on the life, philosophy and legacy of Srimanta Sankardev.

About the MoU

The agreement establishes a long-term academic partnership to promote Indian knowledge traditions, Bhakti literature, and Assam’s cultural heritage through collaborative teaching and research.

Key Objectives

• Promote research on the Bhakti Movement and the philosophy, literature and socio-cultural contributions of Srimanta Sankardev.
• Strengthen faculty and student exchange programmes between the two universities.
• Encourage joint supervision of research scholars and collaborative research projects.
• Promote joint publications, translations and academic documentation on Sankardev’s works.
• Organise seminars, conferences, memorial lectures, workshops and cultural festivals to disseminate India’s cultural heritage.
• Preserve manuscripts and archival materials through digitisation and documentation.
• Promote interdisciplinary research in literature, performing arts, indigenous knowledge systems and comparative cultural studies.
• Mobilise research funding through national and international funding agencies.

About the Srimanta Sankardev Chair

• The Srimanta Sankardev Chair functions under Panjab University, Chandigarh.
• It is dedicated to promoting research on the life, philosophy, literature, Neo-Vaishnavism, performing arts and cultural contributions of Srimanta Sankardev.
• It encourages interdisciplinary research, publications, cultural programmes and academic collaborations across India.

Significance

• Strengthens academic cooperation between institutions in Northeast and North India.
• Preserves Assam’s cultural heritage through research and digitisation.
• Promotes Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• Creates opportunities for scholars, researchers and students to undertake collaborative studies on India’s Bhakti traditions.
• Enhances awareness of Sankardev’s contribution to Indian philosophy, literature and performing arts.

Exam Hook – Prelims

With reference to Srimanta Sankardev, consider the following statements:

1. He founded the Ekasarana Dharma, a form of Neo-Vaishnavism centred on devotion to Lord Krishna.
2. He introduced Sattriya, which is recognised as one of the Classical Dance forms of India.
3. He established Satras and Namghars as centres of religious and socio-cultural life.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d)

One-Line Wrap

The Dibrugarh University–Panjab University partnership is a significant step towards preserving and promoting the timeless spiritual, literary and cultural legacy of Srimanta Sankardev through collaborative academic research and cultural exchange.