69th Death Anniversary of Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi observed in Guwahati

Guwahati: The Kamrup (M) District Administration on Monday observed the 69^th Death Anniversary of Assam’s first Chief Minister Gopinath Bordoloi at Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi Samadhistali near Nabagraha Cremation Ground at Silpukhuri area in Guwahati.

Gopinath Bordoloi (10 June 1890 - 5 August 1950) was a politician and Indian independence activist who served as the first Chief Minister of Assam. He was a follower of the Gandhian principle of non-violence as a political tool. Due to his unselfish dedication towards Assam and its people, the then Governor of Assam Jayram Das Doulatram conferred him with the title "Lokapriya" (loved by all).

It is to be noted that soon after the India's Independence, he worked closely with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to secure the sovereignty of Assam against China on one hand and Pakistan on the other. He also helped to organise the rehabilitation of millions of Hindu refugees who had fled East Pakistan due to widespread violence and intimidation in the aftermath of Partition. His work formed the basis for ensuring communal harmony, democracy and stability which effectively kept Assam secure and progressive right up to the 1971 war over East Pakistan's independence. He was instrumental in establishing Gauhati University, High Court of Assam, Assam Medical College, Assam Veterinary College, etc. Gopinath Bordoloi was also a gifted writer. He wrote several books like Annasaktiyog, Shreeramachandra, Hajrat Mohammad, and Budhhadeb while in jail. Throughout his life, he was a stern believer in Gandhian principles. He led a simple life in spite of being a Chief Minister. He died on 5 August 1950.

The then Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee conferred upon him the Bharat Ratna posthumously in the year 1999.

A life-size statue of Bordoloi was unveiled on 1 October, 2002 in the Parliament House by then President of India, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

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