Auniati satra’s spritual head to address UK Parliament

Guwahati: It was a moment of immense pride for Assam and its rich cultural heritage, as Majuli’s Auniati Satra’s (Vashnavite monastery) satradhikar (spiritual head), Pitambar Dev Goswami, departed for London on Monday to address the Parliament of the UK.

This visit marks a historic milestone, as it is the first time a satradhikar will speak at the legislative body. The invitation is viewed as an accomplishment of a cultural milestone of Assam’s neo-Vaishnavite tradition, founded by the polymath Srimanta Sankareva in 15th and early 16th centuries.

Before his departure, Goswami expressed gratitude and described the invitation as an honour not only for Auniati Satra but for the people of Assam as a whole. He is expected to speak on the significance of Assam’s Vaishnavite philosophy and the role of satras in fostering social harmony.

“We have been given the opportunity to speak about Assam’s Vaishnav culture and its impact on social life at the British Parliament. It will be held at committee room number 15,” Goswami said.

The event has been scheduled under the initiative of British MP Bob Blackman and will be attended by around 65 parliamentarians. “It will be a two hour event, from 6pm to 8pm, scheduled for June 17,” he said.