Guwahati, Jan. 3: Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal today inaugurated the Srimanta Sankardev Bhawan and Research Centre at Rupnagar here.

Constructed under the non-lapsable central pool of resources, it has an office, 350-seater auditorium, library, seminar hall, research centre, kitchen, dining hall, pantry and dormitories.

Sonowal said Xankardeb is "the guide, philosopher and mentor and his teachings are the way for our civilisation to go forward". He said the philosophy and teachings of Xankardeb would be extensively replicated to materialise the government's bid to develop a society where the poorest can lead a dignified life.

Sonowal said adherence to Xankardeb's teachings can redress evils like corruption, violence and intolerance. He also emphasised the need for a spiritual life which can form the edifice for the progress of human civilisation.

He said a naamghar (community prayer hall) will be set up in New Delhi. Sonowal said he had already asked the resident commissioner of Assam Bhawan to look for a suitable plot of land to construct the naamghar.

Cultural affairs minister Naba Kumar Doley, East Gauhati legislator Siddhartha Bhattacharya, media adviser to the chief minister, Hrishikesh Goswami, padadhikar of Srimanta Sankaradeva Sangha, Bhabendra Nath Deka, academician Kandarpa Kumar Deka and other dignitaries were present.