I Guwahati
India, the sacred land and cradle of the Sanatan civilisation, has imparted to the world the timeless message of the pursuit of knowledge and the fundamental principle of universal brotherhood. Inspired by the ideals of this ancient civilisation, it is both a moral responsibility and a call of the times to present the glory, dignity and culture of the motherland in a symbolic and contemporary form, thereby inspiring the younger generation and society at large.
With this noble objective, Pragya, a socio-cultural trust that has been organising the Bharat Mata Pujan programme for the past several years, formally inaugurated this year's edition, titled “Bharat Mata Pujan 5128,” in Guwahati on Thursday.
The programme commenced at 4.30 pm at the playground of Assam Engineering Institute in Chandmari, Guwahati. Dr Samudra Gupta Kashyap, Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University and a noted writer and journalist, inaugurated the event by lighting a ceremonial lamp. Dr Mallika Kandali, president of Bharat Mata Pujan 5128, inaugurated an elaborate exhibition showcasing India's glorious heritage, culture and ancient traditions.
Several distinguished and popular artists and cultural personalities from Assam participated in the colourful programme.
The inaugural public meeting began with the rendition of the Assam State Anthem. Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Dr Kashyap praised Pragya for organising Bharat Mata Pujan and paying tribute to the sacred motherland.
In his address, he recalled that Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva had expressed deep reverence for the land of India and composed hymns in praise of the motherland nearly five centuries ago. He also referred to Rupkonwar Jyotiprasad Agarwala and Sudhakantha Dr Bhupen Hazarika, who celebrated India through their songs.
Dr Kashyap emphasised that it was essential for the present generation, particularly students, to learn about the brave men and women who participated in India's freedom struggle and the soldiers who have served the motherland. He also stressed that patriotism must go hand in hand with respect for one's mother tongue.
Following the inaugural meeting, artists from the Valmiki Sangeet Vidyalaya presented a group dance. Subsequently, around 1,000 students from various schools in Guwahati performed the national song Vande Mataram.
The programme continued with an Akhand Bharat Pradakshina, accompanied by auspicious traditional sounds produced by drums, conch shells, bells, large cymbals and the uruli, along with a collective act of dedication.
More than 5,000 people attended the event and enjoyed the various programmes. An informative laser-light show depicting the history of the song Vande Mataram was also presented.
Earlier in the morning, at 10 am, a group dance competition featuring patriotic songs was organised. The results of the competition were announced during the inaugural public meeting.
This year's Bharat Mata Pujan is being held from October 15 to 20, corresponding to 27 Ahin to 2 Kati in the Bhaskarabda calendar year 1433.
