A couple of weeks back I was informed by my colleague that we had a visitor from Kaziranga Books, Assam who wanted to see the librarian personally. Usually I tend to ignore such requests often sending a message through the security that our libraries do not keep local publications. However this time I decided to go and meet this person in the café where he was waiting for a while.I have a soft corner for Assam since my mother's family were domiciled Bengalees from the state. I was greeted by a dignified elderly gentleman in his seventies. Mr Satya Brata Saikia was carrying a copy of “Srimanta Sankaradeva” written by Dr Bimal Phukan . It was a pleasure talking to him.
Mr Saikia was a much travelled man .He had earned lot of wealth in his lifetime .His wife had died of cancer and he had given up everything to nurse her in her final hours. Thereafter he was on a mission to spread Sankaradeva’s words beyond Assam to all corners of the world. Sankaradeva was a Vaishnava saint who had transformed Assamese spiritual life in the 15th /16th centuries. He was not so well known in other parts of India .Sankaradeva preached a monotheistic philosophy.
The book is beautifully designed and printed on high quality paper. There are rare photographs and illustrations of Assamese religious life and culture. The book describes the monastic institution of Xatras and their activities. Written in simple style the book gives an interesting insight into Sankaradeva’s multifaceted life, works and teachings .It also tries to depict some of the practices of vaishnavites.
The writer Dr Phukan is an engineer by profession .The foreword has been written by Amjad Ali Khan, the great sarod player. Published by Kaziranga Books the book is an important addition to the rich treasure of religious literature of India.
(For more information contact kazbooks68@gmail.com )
Mr Saikia was a much travelled man .He had earned lot of wealth in his lifetime .His wife had died of cancer and he had given up everything to nurse her in her final hours. Thereafter he was on a mission to spread Sankaradeva’s words beyond Assam to all corners of the world. Sankaradeva was a Vaishnava saint who had transformed Assamese spiritual life in the 15th /16th centuries. He was not so well known in other parts of India .Sankaradeva preached a monotheistic philosophy.
The book is beautifully designed and printed on high quality paper. There are rare photographs and illustrations of Assamese religious life and culture. The book describes the monastic institution of Xatras and their activities. Written in simple style the book gives an interesting insight into Sankaradeva’s multifaceted life, works and teachings .It also tries to depict some of the practices of vaishnavites.
The writer Dr Phukan is an engineer by profession .The foreword has been written by Amjad Ali Khan, the great sarod player. Published by Kaziranga Books the book is an important addition to the rich treasure of religious literature of India.
(For more information contact kazbooks68@gmail.com )
