Assam Commemorates Golap Borbora's Centenary: A Legacy of Leadership and Reform
Celebrating a Visionary Leader
Guwahati, Aug 29: Assam marked the 100th birth anniversary of Golap Borbora, the state's inaugural non-Congress Chief Minister, with prominent leaders reflecting on his enduring contributions as a socialist, freedom fighter, and reformist politician.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah was the chief guest at the central event held at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra, where Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, and other dignitaries paid their respects.
Borbora, born in 1925 in Golaghat, spent his formative years in Tinsukia before studying in Kolkata, where he met influential figures like Ram Manohar Lohia and Jayaprakash Narayan.
These interactions inspired him to pursue a political career rooted in courage and conviction. A dedicated socialist, he actively participated in the 1950 Satyagraha movement, leading the first group of satyagrahis in 1957, which resulted in his imprisonment for six months.
In 1968, he made history by becoming the first opposition member from Assam to join the Rajya Sabha. His election as the first non-Congress Chief Minister in 1978 marked a significant shift in Assam's political landscape, ending years of Congress dominance.
During the centenary celebration, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized Borbora's groundbreaking reforms.
“His initial decision as Chief Minister was to provide free education up to Class 10, ensuring accessibility for children from all backgrounds. He also focused on making healthcare available to everyone and initiated job creation in banking and railways for the people of Assam. His vision aimed at fostering an inclusive Assam, free from corruption and external infiltration,” Sarma stated.
The Chief Minister also highlighted Borbora's commitment to electoral integrity. “He took significant steps to identify and eliminate illegal voters during his tenure, scrutinizing around 47,000 names, with nearly 36,000 identified as foreigners. This effort laid the groundwork for the Assam Movement,” Sarma added.
Amit Shah, in his tribute, remarked, “Golap Borbora was a genuine socialist and nationalist whose principles continue to motivate us. His administration was a pioneer in free education, healthcare expansion, and dedicated efforts for the underprivileged. Prime Minister Modi, inspired by Borbora’s vision, has initiated a high-powered mission to examine demographic changes and identify illegal migrants across India. Assam's current initiatives to remove infiltrators are a continuation of Borbora’s legacy.”
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also praised Borbora as a courageous leader. “He was a strong voice against the Emergency imposed by Congress and firmly opposed corruption and dynastic politics. His focus on the people remains relevant and inspirational today,” Sonowal shared on a microblogging platform.
Pankaj Borbora, Golap Borbora’s son, expressed appreciation to the state government for honoring his father's legacy.
“We are grateful for this initiative by the state government. My father's ideals are as pertinent today as they were in the past. His government’s thorough revision of voter lists during the 1978 Mangaldoi by-election first brought attention to the issue of illegal migration. If this process had been applied to other areas, the problem might not have escalated to its current extent,” he remarked.
Remembered for his simplicity, integrity, and dedication to socialist principles, Golap Borbora passed away on March 19, 2006, at the age of 81. On this centenary, Assam honors him not only as its first non-Congress Chief Minister but also as a leader whose vision for education, healthcare, and social justice continues to inspire future generations.