Had Gopinath Bordoloi not stood firm  Northeast would not have remained part of India : Rajdeep Goala

Paying rich tributes to Bharat Ratna Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi on his 76th death anniversary, MLA Rajdeep Goala described the first Chief Minister of Assam after Independence as a visionary statesman whose leadership safeguarded Assam’s future during one of the most decisive phases in the nation’s history. He said Bordoloi’s role in resisting attempts to merge Assam with Pakistan ensured that the Northeast remained an integral part of India. Though his contribution remained under-recognised for many years, the Centre conferred the Bharat Ratna on him in 1999 under the leadership of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The Assam Government led by Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma has now declared his death anniversary as Lok Kalyan Diwas to ensure that his legacy continues to inspire future generations, he said.

The district-level programme, organised by the Cachar district administration at the New Conference Hall of the District Commissioner’s Office also witnessed the presentation of the Lok Sewa Award to two government employees for their dedication, discipline and integrity in public service. The recipients were Sujaybir Deb, Junior District Administrative Assistant in the Office of the District Commissioner, Cachar, and Shantilata Topno, Staff Nurse in the Office of the Joint Director of Health Services, Cachar. Instituted by the Assam Government for non-gazetted officers and employees, the award carries a cash prize of Rs 25,000, a citation and a one-year extension of service after retirement.

While addressing the gathering, Cachar District Commissioner Rahul Kumar Gupta,  said the Lok Sewa Award was introduced to recognise government employees whose sincere work often remains unnoticed despite making a significant contribution to the functioning of the administration. While district administrations are appreciated for their achievements, the role of subordinate staff behind those successes rarely receives public recognition, he said, adding that the award provides deserving employees with the acknowledgement they have earned through years of dedicated service. Remembering Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi, DC Rahul Kumar Gupta urged government employees to continue serving people with honesty, efficiency and compassion.

Earlier, the programme began with an introductory address by the Assistant Commissioner Diksha Sarkar, who said Lok Kalyan Diwas was an occasion to remember Bordoloi’s vision of selfless public service and to renew the commitment of government employees towards transparent, people-centric governance.

District Commissioner Rahul Kumar Gupta, MLA Rajdeep Goala, Additional District Commissioners Jagriti Kalwar and Monojyoti Kutum along with other senior officials paid floral tributes to the portrait of Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi.

Speaking on the significance of the Lok Sewa Award, Additional District Commissioner Monojyoti Kutum said the recognition honours employees who serve with discipline, integrity and dedication and encourages others to strive for excellence in public service. Such recognition, he said, strengthens morale within government institutions and reinforces citizens’ confidence in public administration.

Accepting the honour, Sujaybir Deb thanked the Assam Government, the district administration and his colleagues for their support throughout his career. Shantilata Topno expressed gratitude to the Almighty, the Government of Assam and her colleagues and pledged to continue serving people with the same commitment in the years ahead.

A documentary tracing the life and contribution of Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi including his role in the freedom movement and his efforts to safeguard Assam’s interests was screened during the programme.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks  by the Assistant Commissioner Diksha Sarkar, who thanked the dignitaries, officials and employees for their participation and called upon government personnel to uphold the ideals of integrity, dedication and public service exemplified by Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi.

This is stated in a press release issued by the Regional office of Information & Public Relations Barak valley Zone Silchar Assam.