An English book of verse titled ‘Great Songs’ was released on Aug 26 in the Guwahati Press Club by eminent educationist Dr Kishori Mohan Pathak, formerly Vice Chancellor of Tezpur University. The full title of the book is ‘Great Songs — English Rendering of Srimanta Sankardeva’s Bargît’. As the name indicates, it is translation of 35 Bargîts composed originally by Srimanta Sankaradeva. Sankari scholar Dr Sanjib Kumar Borkakoti has translated the Bargîts into contemporary English. The book has been written to give readers across the world a glimpse into the philosophy of Mohapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva.
Bargît is one of the main modes of conveying the principles of Eka Sharana Nama Dharma preached by the saint. These lyrics were composed in the 15th and 16th century. But till now it did not reach the global audiences. The book ‘Great Song’ is expected to fulfil that requirement, Dr Kishori Mohan Pathak said. Although some of the Bargîts had earlier been translated into English languag, there were not any complete translation of all the numbers and publication in a book form. The ‘Great Songs’ will now be available to the entire world and it is an effort to present the works of Srimanta Sankaradeva in global fora.
The book has been published by the Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva, which aims at creating awareness about the multi-faceted contributions of Srimanta Sankaradeva and to spread the universal message as well as glory of the saint all over the world. It has been making its best effort to present the works of Srimanta Sankaradeva in global fora through its website www.sankaradeva.com and other activities. In continuation of this effort, the Society has brought out the English version of Srimanta Sankaradeva’s unique lyric composition, Bargît.
Ripu Mahanta, Vice President of Asom Sattra Mahasabha, Devananda Deva Goswami, Sattrahikar of Narowa Sattra, Dr Durlav Chamua, MLA of Nagaon and a distinguished promoter of Sankari culture were the guests of honour in the book release function. Dr Chamua has sponsored the publication. The meeting was also addressed by film director Surjya Hazarika, journalist and author Jatindra Kumar Borgohain, and Secretary of Batadrava Than Dr Pradip Mahanta, and social activist Sankar Das. The author Dr Sanjib Kumar Borkakoti spoke briefly about his work. Co-ordinator of Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva Pradip Hazarika welcomed the guests and compered the meeting. Dr Mallika Kandali offered vote of thanks.
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