The ‘peace mission’ boat moored on the Brahmaputra. Picture by Eastern Projections

Dibrugarh, Oct. 3: Four centuries ago, their predecessors embraced “universal brotherhood” as their religion and made the satras (Vaishnavite monasteries) along the then serene Brahmaputra their home.

Today, as the sound of blasts drowns their voices and the now-turbulent Brahmaputra gulps inch after inch of land, one satradhikar (presiding monk) has decided that it’s time to renew the campaign for peace and respite from erosion.

Jugadananda Goswami, the satradhikar of the Mayamora Dinjoy Satra, and 50 of his followers set sail on the Brahmaputra yesterday for a weeklong peace voyage from Guijanghat in Tinsukia district to Jamugurihat in Sonitpur.

“We had planned the voyage primarily for two reasons, one to create awareness about the problem of erosion and the other to emphasise the need for peace. Erosion and violence have severely affected the life of the rural population and we hope that people will cooperate in our endeavour,” Goswami said.

The stopovers include Mohanaghat in Dibrugarh, Sisikalghar Sonarighat in Dhemaji, Saragurichapori Dikhow in Sivasagar, Salmara Kokilamukh in Jorhat and Dhansirimukh Biswanathghat in Sonitpur.

A newly-built machine boat has been hired for the voyage. “We will halt at night at the designated points and every evening there will be discussions with the people in and around these places on the twin issues. We need to have a permanent solution to these problems. There have been numerous pleas from various quarters on the issues, we are only trying to push the demand for solution to these problems,” the satradhikar added.

At the end of the voyage, all the proposals adopted during the meetings at the designated points will be forwarded to the government.

Rohmoria, where the Mayamora Dinjoy and Gorpora satras are located, has been facing severe erosion for several years now. Numerous villages and government offices have been swallowed by the Brahmaputra; hundreds have had to relocate themselves.

“A satra does not only mean a place of worship, it largely reflects the socio-cultural life of the people of the area. Therefore, the voyage initiated by the satras deserves praise,” said Abhijit Neog, a youth from the area.