By Dipak Kurmi
The Srimanta Sankaradeva Sangha arose in the 1930s as a structured spiritual movement rooted in the egalitarian teachings of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankaradeva, at a time when Assamese society was grappling with moral uncertainty, cultural erosion, and a fragile sense of identity. Conceived not merely as a religious body but as a reformative force, it sought to revive ethical discipline, social harmony, and spiritual clarity among the people. What began through the initiative of a few committed visionaries gradually expanded into a far-reaching institution influencing the social, cultural, and moral fabric of Assam. Over nine decades, the Sangha has grown into a formidable presence, nurturing community development, preserving indigenous traditions, and projecting Assamese heritage beyond regional boundaries to a wider national and global audience.
The historical context of its birth is critical to understanding its significance. The early twentieth century witnessed social chaos, religious fragmentation, and the weakening of traditional Assamese institutions along the Brahmaputra Valley. Superstition, ritual excess, and divisive practices had diluted the original teachings of Sankaradeva’s Eka Sarana Nama Dharma, which emphasized devotion to one God and the spiritual unity of all living beings. The need for an organized platform capable of giving direction to society was intensely felt. The Srimanta Sankaradeva Sangha responded to that need with remarkable foresight, establishing a structured yet deeply participatory organization that sought not only to revive religious ideals but to reshape the moral fabric of Assamese life. Through thoughtful analysis of its working methods and philosophy, one realizes that the Sangha has evolved into a way of life inseparable from the soul of the Assamese people.
One of the most extraordinary features of the Sangha lies in its democratic constitution and management system. In many religious institutions across the world, authority remains hereditary or confined to privileged social groups. The Sangha decisively rejected such feudal and hierarchical patterns, introducing a participatory democratic model in the spiritual sphere. Leadership is determined not by lineage but by devotion, knowledge, and dedication to social service. A person from the humblest background, if equipped with scriptural understanding and a commitment to the welfare of society, may ascend to the highest positions within the organization. Elections and nominations are conducted at every level, from village branches to district and central bodies, thereby fostering a culture of accountability and shared responsibility. This democratic ethos has nurtured grassroots leadership across Assam, empowering ordinary citizens and enhancing their sense of dignity and self-worth. In the realm of spirituality, the Sangha affirms that divine grace is earned through conduct rather than inherited by birth.
The philosophical clarity of the Srimanta Sankaradeva Sangha is equally striking. At its core stands the doctrine of Eka Sarana Nama Dharma, which proclaims single-minded devotion to one supreme God and the perception of that divine presence in all beings. Over centuries, distortions had crept into religious practice, encouraging animal sacrifices, ritual extravagance, and empty formalism. The Sangha courageously confronted these deviations, restoring Sankaradeva’s original emphasis on simplicity, compassion, and ethical living. It has consistently maintained that religion is not a matter of fear or blind obedience but a disciplined and enlightened way of life. True spirituality, according to the Sangha, lies not merely in singing hymns within the Namghar but in embodying truth, non-violence, and benevolence in everyday conduct. Its members travel to every corner of society, organizing discussion meetings and spiritual gatherings that communicate the liberating idea that one need not retreat into forests or perform costly rituals to attain salvation; sincere remembrance of the divine name with a pure heart suffices.
The Sangha’s contribution to social reform deserves careful and nuanced appreciation. The caste system and the practice of untouchability have long cast shadows over Indian society, and Assam was not immune to these distortions. From its inception, the Srimanta Sankaradeva Sangha declared a firm stand against discrimination. In its congregational prayers and massive annual sessions, individuals from all castes and communities sit together to partake of prasada and chant in unison. These gatherings create powerful images of collective humanity that weaken entrenched divisions. The Sangha’s influence has often led to the gradual erosion of caste barriers in areas where its presence is strong. It has also mobilized public opinion against social evils such as drug abuse, gambling, and the dowry system, cultivating a moral vigilance that has, in many regions, contributed to lower crime rates and greater family stability. By combining religious instruction with civic awareness, the Sangha has fostered communities that are disciplined, socially responsible, and ethically grounded.
Equally remarkable is the economic model that sustains this vast organization without dependence on government grants or external donations. The philosophy of Muthi Chaul and Dharmar Bharal embodies an indigenous system of collective self-reliance. Each family is encouraged to set aside a handful of rice or its monetary equivalent daily for the Sangha. These modest contributions, when aggregated across millions of households, create a substantial and stable fund. This system not only ensures financial independence but also cultivates a deep sense of ownership among members. Every brick laid in a Sangha building carries the symbolic participation of countless humble donors. Such autonomy enables the organization to express its views fearlessly and impartially, free from political or financial pressure. Through these resources, the Sangha provides scholarships to economically disadvantaged students, extends medical assistance, and supports communities during natural disasters, thereby translating spiritual ideals into tangible social service.
In the spheres of education, literature, and culture, the intellectual movement initiated by the Srimanta Sankaradeva Sangha has exerted far-reaching influence. Recognizing that emotional fervor alone cannot sustain a civilization, the Sangha has emphasized the cultivation of knowledge and reason. The establishment of Sankaradeva University has opened avenues for higher education and research grounded in indigenous values while engaging with contemporary scholarship. The Sangha’s efforts to recover, preserve, and publish ancient manuscripts have enriched the corpus of Assamese literature and safeguarded cultural memory. Its publications and periodicals have nurtured an environment of thoughtful discourse, encouraging critical engagement with spiritual and social questions. In cultural revival, the Sangha’s role has been pioneering. The classical Sattriya dance and the devotional Borgeet, once confined within the precincts of Sattras, now resonate on national and international stages. By presenting culture as a form of spiritual practice rather than mere entertainment, the Sangha has elevated artistic expression to a sacred plane.
The relevance of the Sangha is particularly evident in its engagement with youth and women. In an era marked by aggressive consumerism and cultural disorientation, the Yuva Bahini of the Sangha has emerged as a disciplined force guiding young people toward service, restraint, and ethical responsibility. Its volunteers participate not only in religious activities but also in relief work during crises, exemplifying the integration of spirituality and civic duty. Similarly, the Aimatri Sanmilan and Seva Bahini have played transformative roles in bringing women to the forefront of organizational leadership and social reform. By restoring the dignity accorded to women in Sankaradeva’s teachings, the Sangha has accelerated the process of empowerment. Women lead discussions, manage branches, and spearhead community initiatives, thereby reinforcing the principle that a spiritually enlightened mother shapes a harmonious family and society.
Today, the Srimanta Sankaradeva Sangha extends beyond the geographic boundaries of Assam. Its branches flourish in various parts of India and abroad, providing a cultural anchor for Assamese communities living away from their homeland. Through international conferences and global engagements, representatives of the Sangha have articulated Sankaradeva’s universal philosophy of harmony and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam before diverse audiences. In a world troubled by violence, intolerance, and polarization, the message of liberalism and unity embedded in Sankaradeva’s teachings acquires renewed urgency. The Sangha has carried the name of Assam to the global stage not through aggressive assertion but through the quiet power of moral example and cultural excellence.
In its essence, the Srimanta Sankaradeva Sangha functions as an unsleeping sentinel and the conscience of Assamese national life. It has borne the responsibility of translating a fifteenth-century spiritual vision into a twenty-first-century social reality. Amid political instability, economic uncertainty, and social conflict, it has preserved a thread of unity binding the people of Assam. Its gatherings, where millions chant Harinam in resonant unison, are not merely expressions of devotional emotion but manifestations of a collective spiritual energy that strengthens communal resilience. As the Sangha approaches milestones such as the 95th Session at the Jyoti Bishnu Samanway Kshetra in historic Jamugurihat, it continues to inspire hope that religion, when anchored in equality and service, can illuminate both individual lives and the destiny of a nation.
(the writer can be reached at dipakkurmiglpltd@gmail.com)
