writer by sanjoy gorh 31.03.2026 time 01.30 Pm Published
On March 27, 2026, the two institutions signed an MoU to promote structured academic programmes in Sattriya Assam’s classical dance form blending tradition with modern higher education.
What This MoU Means for Students and Culture
Dibrugarh University and Jorhat Agricultural University have taken a concrete step to preserve and promote Sattriya by integrating it into formal academics.
The agreement focuses on academic collaboration, faculty support, and practical training for the newly introduced Sattriya course at Jorhat Agricultural University. The programme will operate under the expert guidance of Dibrugarh University’s Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Centre for Studies in Performing Arts.
This is not just another MoU it creates a structured pathway for students to study, practice, and perform Sattriya while earning academic credentials.
Key Details of the Agreement
- Date & Venue: March 27, 2026, at the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Dibrugarh University
• Signed by:
- Dr. Paramananda Sonowal, Registrar, Dibrugarh University
- Dr. Prasanna Kumar Pathak, Dean, Jorhat Agricultural University
- Present: Professor Jiten Hazarika, Vice-Chancellor, Dibrugarh University, along with senior faculty from both institutions.
The presence of top leadership shows strong institutional commitment.
one of India’s eight classical dance forms, originated in Assam’s Vaishnavite monasteries (Sattras) centuries ago. Despite its rich heritage, it has struggled to find space in mainstream higher education.
This partnership addresses that gap by offering:
- Structured certificate or diploma courses in Sattriya
- Hands-on training under experienced faculty
- Academic exchange and research opportunities
- Clear career pathways in performing arts, teaching, cultural tourism, and media
Students no longer have to choose between passion for culture and a “serious” career
Attendees and Institutional Support
- The signing ceremony was attended by:
- From Jorhat Agricultural University:
- Professor Rana Pratap Bhuyan, Professor Akashi Sharma, Professor in Practice Bishmita Dutta
From Dibrugarh University:
- Prof. Pallavi Deka Buzarbaruah, Devraj Sarmah, Dr. Mrinal Kumar Baruah, Dr. Jadab Borah
- Strong participation from senior academicians signals that this initiative has real backing.
Broader Impact
This collaboration is expected to:
- Strengthen Assam’s cultural identity
- Encourage research and documentation of Sattriya
- Promote the art form beyond the Northeast
- Serve as a replicable model for other universities to preserve regional arts
In an era where students seek meaningful, interdisciplinary education, this move aligns tradition with future-ready skills.
Challenges Ahead
Success will depend on:
- Generating sustained student enrolment
- Maintaining high training standards
- creating viable job opportunities after completion
If executed well, this could become a landmark programme for cultural education in India.
My experince at the MoU
As someone who has closely followed Assam’s cultural and academic landscape for over a decade, I found this MoU signing on March 27, 2026, particularly heartening. I’ve watched too many promising cultural initiatives in the Northeast begin with fanfare and fade into forgotten files. This one feels different.
Being present at similar academic gatherings, I could sense the quiet determination in the room that day at Dibrugarh University. When Dr. Paramananda Sonowal and Dr. Prasanna Kumar Pathak put pen to paper under Vice-Chancellor Professor Jiten Hazarika’s watch, it wasn’t just paperwork it was a long-overdue bridge between tradition and structured learning.
What makes me optimistic is the practical approach: placing the Sattriya course under the respected Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Centre. No grand new building, no unnecessary drama just smart use of existing expertise. That’s rare and refreshing.
Of course, as any seasoned observer knows, the real test begins now. Will students choose Sattriya over more “marketable” courses? Can the universities create genuine career routes? I’ve seen enough programmes where passion meets paperwork and quietly loses. This time, the institutional backing feels solid enough to break that pattern.
For once, Assam’s classical dance may get the academic respect it has always deserved not as a hobby, but as a serious discipline.
FAQ
Q1.: When was the MoU signed?
A: March 27, 2026.
Q2.: Which universities signed the agreement?
A: Dibrugarh University and Jorhat Agricultural University.
Q3.: What is the main focus of this partnership?
A: Promoting structured academic programmes in Sattriya dance under the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Centre for Studies in Performing Arts.
Q4.: Who can join the Sattriya course?
A: Details will be available through the respective universities, but it targets students interested in performing arts and cultural studies.
Final Thoughts
This MoU between Dibrugarh University and Jorhat Agricultural University is a thoughtful, forward-looking step. It shows how higher education institutions can actively protect and promote living heritage while offering students genuine academic and professional value.
Small but significant moves like this help keep Assam’s unique cultural treasures alive for future generations.
References & Official Sources
- Dibrugarh University Official Announcement, March 27, 2026.
- MoU Signing Report – Dibrugarh University Official Facebook Page & Media Coverage (Amar Asom, March 29, 2026).
- Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Centre for Studies in Performing Arts, Dibrugarh University official website.
- Sattriya Dance Syllabus & Programme Details, Dibrugarh University. Ministry of Culture, Government of India – Recognition of Sattriya as one of the eight classical dance forms.
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