by Bhupen Goswami 

Guwahati : Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu in presence of Assam Governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and Cultural Minister Bimal Borah presented the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi Award for National Integration and Contribution 2021 to the renowned writer Dr. Nirode Kumar Barooah, Assam Branch of Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust and the Shillong Chamber Choir at a function held in Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra, Guwahati today. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Mukhi expressed happiness to be a part of the event and extended his best wishes and congratulations to renowned writer Dr. Nirode Kumar Barooah, Assam Branch of Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust and the Shillong Chamber Choir on being the recipient of the coveted award in recognition to their contribution to national development.

He at the same time urged upon them to continue with their work to enrich the society more than ever before. Reminiscing Bharatratna Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi after whom the awards were given the Governor said that he sacrificed his whole life to build a New Assam and a new Assamese society where all section of the people irrespective of caste, creed, religion, language and ethnic group could live in peace and amity. He also said, “Although he is no more with us, his ideals and his dedication will always remain with us as beacon of light to guide the younger generation to righteousness”.

Taking note on the works being undertaken by the awardees, Prof. Mukhi further urged upon them to keep working to take the country to a greater height and help create a society founded on the principles of shared joy, truthfulness and trust. He also said that in the coming years also they should strive for excellence to motivate the young minds to contribute to national development. It may be mentioned that the prestigious Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi Award for National Integration and Contribution was instituted by Government of Assam in 1993 in the memory of Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi. The Award is conferred on to an Indian national and persons of eminence for their contribution in National Development of Inclusive Growth. The award carries a cash amount of Rs. 5.00 lakh, a citation and a shawl.