A Brief Introduction

Due to various historical reasons, perennial resource constraints, advent of modernity and other such issues, the egalitarian mission of taking the entire lot of tribal and ethnic groups to the caring fold of the core of the Assamese society has faced several historical roadblocks. We have come across numerous examples of great desire on the part of the ethnic groups and the tribes to be a part of the Sankaradeva tradition and be an equal stakeholder in the great socio-cultural ethos. The Sattras in general are also generally of the opinion that time is now to walk the extra mile to build inter community bridges in Assam as investment in social security and social capital.

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Setubandha 2003

A Pioneering Initiative by Srimanata Foundation

Setubandha programme initiated in 2003 by the Srimanta Foundation (SF) in collaboration with the Asom Sattra Mahasabha marked a significant cultural and social movement in Assam

Legendary musician, singer, composer, filmmaker

Late Dr. Bhupen Hazarika

was present at the first Setubandha programme held in Guwahati in 2003.

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2003
- 2011
Chronicles of Setubandha
2003 - 2011
  • First Setubandha programme held in Guwahati in 2003
  • Legendary musician, singer, composer, filmmaker Late Dr. Bhupen Hazarika was present
  • The event featured four to five Bhaonas, a cultural procession, and performances of Sattriya dance and folk dances
  • After 2003, Asom Sattra Mahasabha conducted Setubandha programme in regular intervals of every 2 years
  • Total number of 25 Bhaonas performed
  • Communities like Tiwa, Mising, Sonowal Kachari, Bodo, Tea-tribe, Karbi, Rabha, Nepali, Moran, Bengali, Chautal, Koch Rajbonshi and Sigpho
2012
SETUBANDHA 2012
A Renewed Focus
  • The programme introduced several innovations aiming at enhancing its impact and sustainability
  • Setubandha 2012 focused on building social security and capital through continuous engagement
  • Transliteration of some of the literary works of Srimanta Sankardeva and his disciples into Bodo and Mising languages for performance
2013
Setubandha 2013 and Beyond
From Programme to Process
Setubandha 2013 programme, held in Gohpur, highlighted the benefits of sustained follow-up work. Communities from various regions came together to perform and learn from each other, resulting in a rich tapestry of cultural exchange
2014
Setubandha 2014
Focusing on a Single Community
In 2014, the Srimanta Foundation decided to focus on producing a single Bhaona within a specific community, rather than organizing a large-scale event. The Ram-Vijay Ankiya Bhaona was chosen for production among the tea community in Rajgarh, Dibrugarh district
2015
Setubandha 2015
Expanding Horizons
Setubandha 2015 was organized at Sri Sri Ramraikuti Sattra in Dhubri district, a region of historical significance bordering Bangladesh. The event aimed to foster social relationships and integration across Assam, North and West Bengal, and parts of Bangladesh.