Senior Correspondent.TOD.Hili
An event celebrating India’s ancient spiritual traditions and the historical heritage of North Bengal was held Monday at Vivekananda Vidyapith in Hili, South Dinajpur district, where statues of Jain scholar Bhadrabahu and Buddhist master Atisha Dipankara Shrijnana were unveiled.Professor (Dr.) Pranab Ghosh, vice-chancellor of Dakshin Dinajpur University, unveiled the statues at a ceremony attended by senior academics and distinguished guests.
Ashis Bhattacharya, vice-chancellor of the University of Gour Banga, attended as chief guest, while Arnab Sen, vice-chancellor of Raiganj University, was the guest of honour.Other attendees included former Raiganj University vice-chancellor Dipak Kumar Ray, former West Bengal minister Shankar Chakraborty, and Dr. Naba Kumar Das, president of Balurghat B.Ed.
College (Autonomous) and secretary of the Itihas Anusandhan Parishad.The programme opened with the lighting of a ceremonial lamp and an inaugural song. Historian Professor Himanshu Kumar Sarkar delivered the welcome address. The event was conducted by Ekta Dey and Suraj Das.
A major highlight was the release of two research books authored by Prof.Himangshu Kumar Sarkar: Jainism in Ancient North Bengal and Atisha Dipankara Shrijnana: The Beacon of India. The publications explore the region's religious history and the contributions of two influential spiritual figures to India's philosophical traditions.
Guests also received copies of Jin Sanskar, a book on Jainism written by the revered Muni 108 Akshaysagarji Maharaj, along with framed photographs sent by the Jain Sangh of Pune.Speakers discussed the lives, spiritual practices and historical contributions of Bhadrabahu and Atisha Dipankara Shrijnana, highlighting their significance in the development of Indian religious and philosophical thought.
The gathering sought to bring renewed attention to South Dinajpur's cultural and historical connections with India's ancient spiritual traditions. Through the installation of the statues and publication of scholarly works, organisers emphasised the importance of preserving regional heritage and encouraging historical awareness among younger generations.Professor Himanshu Kumar Sarkar, managing trustee of the Himanshu Kumar Sarkar and Anjali Sarkar Foundation of Education and Research, convened the programme.
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