The 74th death anniversary of Bharat Ratna Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi was observed today with solemnity and pride at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra, Guwahati on August 5, 2024.
The state government organized the annual ‘Lok Kalyan Divas’ program to honor the memory and contributions of Assam’s first Chief Minister, a towering figure in the region’s history and Indian independence movement.
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi, a stalwart of Indian politics, served as the Chief Minister of Assam from 1938 to 1947. His leadership was pivotal during the critical years leading up to India’s independence. Known for his unwavering commitment to the rights and welfare of the Assamese people, Bordoloi was instrumental in preventing Assam from being included in East Pakistan during the Partition.
His efforts ensured Assam remained a part of India, preserving the region’s unique cultural and social identity. In recognition of his services, he was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, in 1999.
The ‘Lok Kalyan Divas’ serves as an annual event to celebrate Bordoloi’s legacy, with the state recognizing outstanding contributions in public service and governance. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma presided over the ceremony, presenting the Karmashree Award and the Lokseva Award to deserving state government officers and employees.
The Karmashree Award is conferred upon individuals for exceptional administrative service, while the Lokseva Award recognizes significant contributions to public welfare. Both awards embody the values that Bordoloi himself espoused – dedication to public service, integrity, and a commitment to the welfare of the people.
This year, the Lok Sewa Puraskar was also awarded to acknowledge and honor the extraordinary work of non-gazetted employees (excluding teachers) in two categories: district level and state level. The recipients of this award were granted a one-year extension of service, a cash reward of Rs. 25,000, and a certificate of recognition.
The state-level awardees for 2024 included:
– Senior Assistant: Monuj Kr. Deuri
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UDA: Sujit Dey
Assistant Section Officers: Koilash Gogoi, Antara Talukdar, Hiren Deka, Pranab Lahkar, and Arupjyoti Nath
– Jr. Administrative Assistant*: Niranjan Sharma
– UDA-cum-Accountant: Md. Makibar Rahman
– MTS: Adhik Lal Yadav
Additionally, 37 district-level Lok Sewa Awards were distributed, highlighting the breadth of dedication and service within Assam’s public administration.
The event saw the presence of various dignitaries, officials, and public servants, all of whom underscored the continued relevance of Bordoloi’s vision for Assam. The observance of Lok Kalyan Divas is not just a tribute to a leader but also a call to uphold the principles of good governance and public service that he exemplified.
As Assam moves forward, the legacy of Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi continues to inspire and guide the state in its pursuit of progress, unity, and social harmony.
