Home Minister Amit Shah unveils Batadrava Cultural Project

Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently visited Assam’s Nagaon district to inaugurate the magnificent Batadrava Cultural Project. During the ceremony, Shah paid deep tribute to Bharat Ratna Gopinath Bordoloi. He emphasized that Bordoloi’s firm stance during the independence era ensured the Northeast remained an integral part of India. Shah remarked that without Bordoloi's intervention, which influenced Jawaharlal Nehru, the map of the country might have looked very different today.

The project is located at Batadrava Than, the birthplace of the legendary saint-reformer Srimanta Sankardeva. Shah described this sacred site as a pillar of unity for Assamese society. It represents the inclusive "nav-vaishnav dharma" which promotes equality and harmony—ideals that resonate strongly with the Vaishnav traditions found across India, including the spiritual culture of Odisha.

Spread across 162 bighas of land, the Assam Government developed this spiritual hub with an investment of approximately Rs 217 crore. The site was previously cleared of encroachments to make way for this world-class destination. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma noted that the initiative aims to preserve the state’s rich cultural identity while attracting global spiritual tourists.

Architecturally, the Batadrava Cultural Project is a marvel of traditional aesthetics and modern engineering. It features the world's tallest Guru Asana and several structures inspired by traditional Assamese symbols. For instance, the art center is shaped like a cymbal, and the research facility resembles a "khol" (a traditional drum). There is even a skill center designed like a boat and a theatre reflecting the iconic Assamese "japi" hat.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Sarma welcomed the Home Minister with traditional honors, including a gamusa and a replica of the sacred Guru Asana. This massive initiative is expected to transform Nagaon into a major center for cultural research. By honoring the message of Srimanta Sankardeva, the project serves as a lasting tribute to the values of social harmony and devotion in the Northeast.