Namghar in Pune symbolically unites Maharashtra and Assam: Pitambar Dev Goswami

PUNE, October 1, 2026 — Recalling how Saint Srimanta Sankardev in Assam and saints Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram Maharaj in Maharashtra awakened society during medieval times through their teachings and writings despite adverse circumstances, Dr Sri Sri Pitambar Dev Goswami said the establishment of a Namghar in Pune has symbolically united the voices of Maharashtra and Assam.

He said that while the Namghar serves as a cultural and spiritual centre of life in Assam, its establishment for the first time in Maharashtra and Pune is particularly significant in the present context. He credited Sarhad Founder-President Sanjay Nahar for taking the initiative.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Sarhad Founder-President Sanjay Nahar, eminent scholar of saint literature and former president of the All India Marathi Literary Conference Dr Sadanand More, Nagaland University Vice-Chancellor and former Assam State Information Commissioner Dr Samudragupta Kashyap, Dr Shailesh Pagaria, Shailesh Wadekar and several other distinguished guests.

Before the inauguration, a colourful procession featuring the dignitaries was taken from the entrance of the campus to the Namghar building. The procession was conducted entirely in traditional Assamese style, with Assamese musical instruments and participants dressed in traditional Assamese attire.

Dr Goswami said the Namghar represents one of the purest expressions of the Bhakti tradition. It nurtures values of spiritual discourse, fellowship, goodwill, righteous conduct and virtuous action. The glory of the Divine Name is celebrated through collective chanting and kirtan dedicated to Hari, Vishnu and Lord Krishna.

Dr Sadanand More highlighted the connection between Assam's Vaishnava Bhakti tradition and Maharashtra's Bhagavata and Varkari traditions. He said saints in both regions promoted equality, humanity and social harmony.

Dr Samudragupta Kashyap said Sankardev's message of humanity, equality and harmony was intended for the entire nation. He added that Sanjay Nahar, through Sarhad, was working to advance the same ideals of human unity.

Sanjay Nahar expressed happiness that Maharashtra and Assam had once again been connected through the Namghar. He said the progressive vision articulated by Srimanta Sankardev closely paralleled the ideas propagated by Maharashtra's saints, including Dnyaneshwar, Tukaram, Eknath and Namdev.

The event also featured dance performances by Devika Borthakur and Sakshi Gaikwad. The programme was compered by Dr Niva Devi Sarma and Pratibha Dudhane.