[Assam] Sattra preservation

[Pradip Kumar Datta]

Sattra preservation
— The State Government’s move to work for the preservation of the Sattras is indeed praiseworthy. In this context, the Finance Department of the State has allocated an amount of Rs four crore for the preservation and development of the Sattra institutions of Majuli island as the first step in this direction. The State Government’s initiative has come as a welcome relief for the Sattras of Majuli which are crying hoarse for development. The unabated erosion by the river Brahmaputra coupled with acute financial constraints and neglect have pushed the Sattras of Majuli to a precarious state. Several of them have chalked out plans for shifting to safer places away from Majuli. The Sattras of Majuli are treasure troves of spirituality and antiquity. The Sattras played a leading role in ushering in the cultural renaissance in the State. The Rs 4 crore fund which has been allocated against the proposal submitted by the State Archaeology Directorate will definitely help in the
 restoration and development of the Sattras of Majuli provided it is well utilised. The Archaeology Directorate which has been appointed as the modal agency for preservation of the Sattra institutions has prepared project proposals for the development of 135 Sattras with an estimated cost of Rs 96.56 crore. With the proposals lying with the Planning Comission of India for approval, the Sattra Preservation Committee’s decision to take up the matter with the Central Government is a step in the right direction. The Centre must be made aware of the importance of the Sattras and the necessity to preserve them for posterity. Along with the Sattras, a host of monuments of archaeological importance are bearing the brunt of neglect. If the State Government takes steps to introduce courses on archaeology in the colleges and universities, it will equip the students with the knowledge to identify neglected sites of importance and preserve them. A strong knowledge base in the State will
 definitely help in identification and preservation of the relics of the past.
Assam Tribune Editorial, Jne 7
       
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