Residents Appeal to Assam for Historic Namghar Repairs

Guwahati: Nearly 270 Rabha families in Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district are calling on the Assam government to fund the repair of a century-old place of worship. The Sri Sri Kalia Thakur Namghar, also known as the Gosain Ghar, stands in Baregaon and serves as a vital anchor for Assamese traditions. The structure is falling apart. Neglect and a lack of cash have left the main prayer hall and granary in ruins.

Established in 1910, the site sits on three bighas of land between the villages of Baregaon and Umsaw. About 160 families live in Baregaon, while 110 reside in Umsaw. These villages near Patharkhmah remain roughly 35 kilometres from Rani and 60 kilometres from Guwahati. The institution preserves Vaishnavite culture through regular naam-prasanga sessions, Janmashtami celebrations, and commemorations for saints Srimanta Sankardeva and Madhavdeva.

Management committee members, including president Suren Sinal, vice-president Prasanna Mego, secretary Kumar Diya, treasurer Hari Pathak, and social worker Rano Chambai, manage the site. They stressed the institution keeps heritage alive. Villagers noted the state set aside Rs 325.55 crore in the 2025-26 budget for Namghar development. Local social worker Oral Chinkle stated, "The community has continued to preserve Assamese customs, Vaishnavite traditions and cultural practices across generations."

The current buildings suffer from rusted tin roofs. While a former Jirang MLA built a boundary wall in 2018, the core structures remain at risk. Residents now look to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for intervention. They want parity with Assamese institutions receiving government support in cities like New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru. Without help, this cultural landmark faces total collapse.