From Spiritualism to Market Economy: How Political Power Reshaped Assam’s Guru Tradition

A Case Study of Assam’s Most Powerful Guru and the Strides of His Foreign Tour;

Update: 2025-06-27 16:59 GMT
From Spiritualism to Market Economy:  How Political Power Reshaped Assam’s Guru Tradition
  • whatsapp icon

India’s political corridors have long been haunted—not just by ideology, but by spiritual shadows. From Indira Gandhi’s Dhirendra Brahmachari, a yogi-turned-power-broker often described as a “bureaucrat without portfolio,” to P. V. Narasimha Rao’s Chandraswami, who operated across borders and scandals—the Guru as a soft power source has never been new.

But what is new, or rather, evolving, is how this tradition transformed in Assam, a land of Naam Dharma, Vaishnavite reform, and quiet devotion.

---

From Devotion to Diplomacy: The Assamese Transition

In the 1990s, Assam’s public life was under siege—guns ruled the discourse, with both state and non-state actors asserting control. Student leaders, once symbols of protest, became targets of violence. During this turbulent phase, every leader had a guru, not just for spiritual refuge, but for political assurance.

Among them was Sarbananda Sonowal, who witnessed and endured the worst of that era. His name became entangled in the killing of a student leader from URMCA in Dibrugarh University—a charge never proven, but never forgotten. Later, he lost his trusted friend Bimal Bhuyan, gunned down by ULFA operatives.

It was at this breaking point that Sonowal turned toward Krishnaguru Sewashram, Barpeta—not just as a place of peace, but as a spiritual-political sanctuary.

---

The Ashram that Became a Powerpoint

At first, the visit was personal. Just a man seeking solace.

But as Sonowal's political graph rose—from AASU to AGP, and then BJP; from MLA to CM—the Ashram transformed too.

What was once a modest Satra with barefoot Satradhikars, slowly evolved into a high-security spiritual campus, complete with PR events, mega Naam Kirtans, and VIP lounges.

Today, Krishnaguru Sewa Ashram is not just a spiritual center—it is a PowerPoint of Assam.

Even Himanta Biswa Sarma, Sonowal's political rival and successor, pays regular visits. It’s no longer about faith—it’s about legitimacy, networking, optics

---

From Barefoot to Shoes: Symbolism of Change

There was a time when the Satradhikar walked barefoot—symbolizing humility and distance from worldly luxury.

Today, Guruji wears shoes—literally and metaphorically.

The bare hut is now a marbled hall.

The Naam is now amplified through LED speakers.

The devotees are not just spiritual seekers—they are followers, voters, content consumers.

This is not an attack on faith, but a reflection of its cosmetic and political metamorphosis.

---

Conclusion: The Gaze Has Shifted

Spiritualism gave way to Guruhood.

Guruhood has now given way to Market economy .A culture of spiritual spectacle where religion is watched, not practiced.

Assam’s most powerful guru is no longer just a caretaker of faith, but a symbol of cultural diplomacy, political endorsement, and now, spiritual tourism.

What began as Bhaktibad is now a cocktail of Bhogbad and branding.

Tags:    

Similar News