Guwahati, Dec 29 (NationPress) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday officiated the inauguration of the Rs 227-crore revitalized Batadrava Than, the birthplace of the revered Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankardeva, located in Nagaon district, Assam.

He emphasized that the profound teachings of Srimanta Sankardeva continue to illuminate India’s cultural and spiritual harmony.

Speaking to a large crowd gathered at Batadrava Than, HM Shah remarked that the great saint’s principles of unity, inclusiveness, and cultural rebirth remain significantly pertinent even in contemporary times. He commended the citizens of Assam for their dedication to preserving their heritage and values despite historical adversities, noting that Sankardeva’s philosophy has been instrumental in shaping Assam’s civilizational identity.

Upon his arrival in Nagaon district earlier in the day, the Home Minister was received with a warm and traditional welcome from local inhabitants. After landing at Borduwa via helicopter from Guwahati, HM Shah was treated to lively Assamese cultural performances that brilliantly showcased the state's rich heritage.

Traditional Gayan-Bayan and Diha Naam performances were held during the reception, earning visible appreciation from the Home Minister, who joined in the rhythmic clapping as the devotional melodies resonated throughout the historic locale.

The new Batadrava Than complex has been meticulously designed to safeguard and promote the spiritual and cultural legacy of Srimanta Sankardeva, while significantly enhancing amenities for devotees and visitors.

Officials indicated that the initiative aims to elevate the site into a prominent spiritual and cultural hub, reinforcing religious tourism and cultural awareness.

After the inauguration, HM Shah is set to return to Guwahati, where he will honor the martyrs of the Assam Movement at the newly established Swahid Smarak Kshetra. This memorial pays tribute to those who sacrificed their lives during the historic Anti-Foreigner Agitation.

Later in the day, the Home Minister will inaugurate a series of significant infrastructure projects in the state capital, including the Rs 111-crore new facility for the Guwahati Police Commissionerate and the Rs 189-crore Integrated Command and Control System (ICCS), aimed at bolstering urban policing and public safety.

Additionally, HM Shah will unveil the Rs 291-crore Jyoti Bishnu Cultural Complex in Guwahati, a state-of-the-art auditorium seating 5,000, expected to serve as a major center for cultural and public events in the Northeast.

This visit by the Home Minister underscores the Centre’s commitment to cultural heritage, security, and infrastructural development in Assam.