SANKARDEVA’S PHILOSOPHY AND ITS RELEVANCE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF PEACE AND HARMONY IN THE PRESENT SOCIAL CONTEXT

Abstract

Srimanta Sankardeva was a great saint, social reformer, poet, playwright and literary figure of medieval Assam. He appeared at a time when Assamese society was passing through a period of social, religious and cultural instability. His advent brought a new direction to society through the Neo-Vaishnavite movement, which was rooted in love, devotion, equality and universal brotherhood. He propagated the principle of Eka Sarana Naam Dharma and sought to establish a society based on devotion, morality, social equality and humanism. He established institutions such as the Namghar and Satra, which became important centres of religious practice, education, cultural activities and community life. He also gave considerable importance to performing arts such as dance, music and drama, not merely as forms of entertainment but as instruments for moral, spiritual and social development. Through his theological and social teachings, Sankardeva made a significant contribution to the promotion of unity, peace, and harmony among diverse communities. His philosophy challenged social discrimination and encouraged people to transcend caste and other social divisions. The present paper attempts to analyse the concept of peace and harmony embedded in Sankardeva’s philosophy and to examine its relevance in addressing contemporary social challenges.