Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi visited the historic Madhupur Satra of Bengal’s Cooch Behar on Friday. Mukhi was accorded a warm reception by the satradhikar (presiding monk). Cooch Behar police offered Mukhi a guard of honour.
The Governor also laid down the foundation stone of Infrastructure Development of Cultural and Tourism Centre and Protection and Development of Madhupur Satra projects. A sum of Rs 3.25 crore has been allotted for the projects.
A two-storied guesthouse and a dining room will be set up each with Rs 1 crore as part of the tourism project, while 10 components such as a school, a guesthouse, a conference hall, a museum will be constructed and some renovation work will be carried out with an estimated cost of Rs 1.25 crore as part of the Madhupur Satra development plan. Both the projects are expected to be completed within a year.
Addressing a gathering, the governor said all possible help will be extended to Madhupur Satra.
He said that since Madhupur Satra is a seat of great Vaishnavite culture, transforming the place into a cultural tourism centre would go a long way in fulfilling Shankardev’s dream of taking Vaishnavite culture all around and taking his reform mantra of according equal recognizing to everybody irrespective of caste, creed and status.
Satradhikar Lakhi Kanta Mahanta gave a detailed report of the satra‘s present condition. He also submitted a memorandum to the Governor.
The Satra was built in the 16th century, which is a treasure trove of historical documents and manuscripts and is the final resting place of Srimanta Sankardev, the great Vaishnavite saint. MLA Bilasipara East Ashok Singhi, MLA Golakganj Ashwini Ray Sarkar and a host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion.