The Hindu : National : Sankardeva’s teachings still relevant: Sonia

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Sankardeva’s teachings still relevant: Sonia

Special Correspondent

Presents Srimanta Sankardeva award to B.G. Verghese and Goswami

— PHOTO: RITU RAJ KONWAR

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi with the Sankardeva Award recipients B.G. Verghese (left) and Keshavananda Dev Goswami (right) after giving away the awards in Guwahati on Friday. Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi is seen second from right.

Guwahati: United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Friday presented the Srimanta Sankardeva Award to eminent journalist B.G. Verghese and eminent Assamese scholar and Vaishanavite pundit Keshavananda Dev Goswami at a function held here.

Ms. Gandhi underlined the need for spreading the ideals of Sankardeva to preach peace and brotherhood and to resolve problems. His teachings have more relevance and importance in the present day world.

The award, instituted by the Assam government, carries a cash prize of Rs. 3 lakh, a citation and a gold medal. While Mr. Verghese was presented the award for the year 2005, Dr. Goswami received the award for 2006.

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Verghese underlined the need for accelerating the pace of development of Assam and northeast and the region emerging as the capital of India’s growing business with South Asian countries, than remaining a peripheral partner. Dr. Goswami urged the State government to patronise the Vaishnavite institutions to preserve and preach the teachings of Sankardeva.

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi also spoke.

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