The Namghars in the urban areas of Assam have successfully retained some of the features of Vaishnavite traditions found in village Namghars. The use of an egalitarian platform to worship one unifying God with prayers and discussions is common to Namghars in cities, towns and villages.

Austrian Anthropologist visits VKIC

  Anthropology researcher Wally Rey from Vienna visited the VKIC to acquire information on Night Visiting husbands among      the   Khasis and Jaintias of Meghalaya.

The researcher was provided necessary information on the subject by VKIC’s Research Associate Kunal Choudhury. She was   provided publications of the VKIC, which have been well received by scholars and researchers. Equipped with information from VKIC she carried out field investigations in part of  Meghalaya.

The two-day seminar on ‘Traditional Systems of the Bodo Community – Change and Continuity’ took place at Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Kajalgaon (VKV) ground on October 31 and November 1, and brought together intellectuals and academics from different backgrounds.

Namghar Lecture Series

The VKIC as part of its endeavour to unravel the cultural and social reality of Assam and rest of the Northeast organizes lectures, seminars and workshops on significant traditions and institutions. The year 2014 was marked by a series of lectures on Namghar (traditional community prayer hall) in Assam and adjoining areas. Under the banner of Sankriti Anveshak, these lectures were delivered by persons well-versed in their subjects. The lectures were followed by interactive sessions through which the audience was able to gain more knowledge and insights about a remarkable legacy of Srimanta Sankardeva.

 Namghar in the Urban Context of Assam

Chairman VKIC, Dipok Kr Barthakur, delivering the welcome address mentioned that this year is significant for VKIC as it the birth centenary year of Eknathji Ranade, the founding father of Vivekananda Kendra and Vivekananda Rock Memorial. His vision to establish a centre to study the culture of Northeast of India led to the inception of Vivekananda Institute of Culture (VKIC) in 1993.

The Prestigious Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture (VKIC) Sanmaan 2014 was bestowed on Sri Birkha Bahadur Subba (Muringla) at a function held at the VKIC premises on January 31 in the presence of an august gathering. 

BB Subba was conferred the VKIC sanmaan this year for his contribution towards the rejuvenation of the Limbu cultural life, which has been under threat from various circumstances. In his long and illustrious career, Subba succeeded in building a better understanding about the indigenous faith and culture of the Limbu community. He was among the pioneers to ensure that formal temples dedicated to native gods were established. 

The Foundation Day of Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture (VKIC), Guwahati was celebrated on 31 January, 2013 (Thursday) at 5.30 p.m. in the Williamson Magor Auditorium of the Institute. The vital note of the function was the conferring of the prestigious VKIC Sanman.
 

The Foundation Day of VKIC, Guwahati was held on 31 January, 2012 (Tuesday) at 5.00 p.m. in the Williamson Magor Auditorium of the Institute in which the annual VKIC SANMAN was also awarded. 

Shri Dipok Kr Barthakur, Chairman, VKIC delivered the Welcome address and Objectives of the programme. Speaking on the significance of the Foundation Day & the VKIC Sanmaan, Sri Dipok Kr. Barthakur, Chairman,  VKIC said that VKIC has been organizing this programme since 1999 to honour a person from the Northeast who has made significant contribution to the society in the field of preservation, protection and advancement of traditional culture. The award consists of a Citation, a Plaque and Cash award of Rs. 25,000/- The Chairman briefed the house about the preparation for the 150 Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Swami Vivekananda. 

The Foundation Day of VKIC, Guwahati was held on 31 January, 2011 (Monday) at 5.30 p.m. in the Williamson Magor Auditorium of the Institute in which the annual VKIC SANMAN was also awarded. 

Shri Dipok Kr. Barthakur, Chairman, VKIC delivered the Welcome address and Objectives of the programme. Shri Radhika Mohan Bhagawati, eminent Writer, Journalist & Editor, Dainik Asom who was the Chief Guest of the programme had conferred the VKIC SANMAN, 2011 on Kum. Aningiu Meriam, Vice President, Zeliangrong Mipui, Nagaland. The programme was attended by a capacity audience from all walks of life and concluded with a documentary drama on and by the Karbi Community. Headed by Sri Dhireswar Ronghang, Sonapur, Kamrup District, the one hour presentation enthralled the audience.