Amit Shah Commemorates Gopinath Bordoloi's Legacy at Batadrava Cultural Project Launch
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Batadrava Cultural Project in Assam, paying homage to Gopinath Bordoloi's legacy. He highlighted the project's aim to transform the site into a premier spiritual and cultural destination while addressing issues of illegal immigration. Shah's remarks emphasized the importance of Bordoloi's contributions to Assam's integration into India. The project, which combines traditional aesthetics with modern infrastructure, is set to enhance Assam's cultural heritage and promote the ideals of Srimanta Sankardev. This initiative marks a significant step in preserving the region's rich history and fostering unity among communities.
Dec 29, 2025, 15:11 IST
Inauguration of Batadrava Cultural Project
During the inauguration of the Batadrava Cultural Project in Assam's Nagaon district, Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid tribute to the legacy of Bharat Ratna Gopinath Bordoloi. He emphasized that without Bordoloi's contributions, Assam and the entire northeastern region might not have been part of India today. Speaking at the renovated Batadrava Than, the birthplace of the revered figure Srimanta Sankardev, Shah remarked, 'Today, I want to remember Bharat Ratna Gopinath Ji. If it weren't for him, Assam and the entire Northeast would not be a part of India. It was Gopinath Ji who compelled Jawaharlal Nehru to include Assam in India.'
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Highlighting the spiritual and cultural significance of Batadrava Than, Shah described it as a symbol of unity and harmony within Assamese society. He stated that it is not merely a place of worship but a vibrant representation of Assamese unity, where all communities gather to promote 'Nava-Vaishnavism.' He referred to the inclusive Vaishnav tradition propagated by Srimanta Sankardev. The Batadrava Cultural Project, initiated by the Assam government, aims to transform this sacred site into a world-class spiritual and cultural tourism destination. The project, spread over 162 bighas of land freed from encroachment, is estimated to cost around ₹217 crores.
Furthermore, Amit Shah asserted that the BJP is committed to removing all infiltrators from across the country. He questioned the appropriateness of Bangladeshi infiltrators being present at such a significant site as that of Sankardev. He congratulated Himanta Biswa Sarma for his efforts in removing infiltrators and restoring the naamghar site, noting that over one lakh bighas of land have been cleared of encroachers. He criticized the Congress party for failing to honor those who sacrificed their lives during the Assam movement over the years.
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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that this initiative will help preserve and showcase Assam's rich cultural heritage while promoting the ideals of the revered Vaishnav saint, social reformer, and cultural icon Srimanta Sankardev. The project combines traditional Assamese aesthetics with modern infrastructure to create a comprehensive spiritual and cultural complex. Key features of the project include the world's tallest guru seat, a guesthouse inspired by Sattriya culture, an art center shaped like traditional jhanj, a research center modeled after the traditional dhol, a boat-shaped skill development center, and a stage designed in the style of traditional Assamese japi.