Celebrating Gopinath Bordoloi: A Tribute to Assam's First Chief Minister
A Legacy Remembered
Guwahati, Aug 4: Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the inaugural President of Independent India, held Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi, the first chief minister of Assam, in the highest esteem.
In a message for a souvenir published in 1952, Dr. Prasad remarked, “Shri Bordoloi was among those exceptional individuals who faced persecution and hardship to liberate India from British rule, dedicating his life to public service without regard for his own family.”
This souvenir, named ‘Bordoloi Smriti Granth’, was initially released in Hindi by Akela Publications in Tinsukia, thanks to the efforts of Bishwanath Prasad Gupta, a prominent Hindi journalist. Now, after 75 years, an Assamese version is being launched by the Jeevan Ram Mungi Devi Goenka Public Charitable Trust in partnership with Anwesha Publication.
Dr. Prasad further emphasized Bordoloi's humility and dedication, stating, “He was a man of remarkable talent and profound commitment, yet he remained modest throughout his life.”
The Hindi edition, published shortly after Bordoloi's passing, served as a heartfelt homage, gathering reflections and writings from several of India's leading national figures, including Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Acharya Kaka Saheb Kalelkar, among others.
Gopinath Bordoloi was regarded as a peer among these illustrious personalities. Kakasaheb Kalelkar's contribution to the original book is noted for its significance.
Shankar Lall Goenka, managing trustee of the Jeevan Ram Mungi Devi Goenka Public Charitable Trust, expressed, “I am honored to present this book titled Bharat Ratna Gopinath Bordoloi to the audience. This reflects my admiration and respect for Gopinath Bordoloi.”
He added, “Thanks to Gopinath Bordoloi, Assam is an integral part of India today. Without his efforts, we might have been part of Pakistan. This book illustrates how Bordoloi fought for the nation's freedom, prevented Assam from being annexed to East Bengal, and tirelessly worked to promote unity among the diverse communities of the hills and plains.”
The Assamese edition, spanning 228 pages, includes rare photographs of Gopinath Bordoloi and is set to be officially launched on Tuesday, August 5 — his death anniversary — by Assam's education minister Ranoj Pegu at the Srimanta Madhabdeva International Auditorium in Guwahati.
Former chief ministers of Assam, Bishnuram Medhi and Bimala Prasad Chaliha, also contributed personal memories of Gopinath Bordoloi in the book.
In a poignant recollection, Bolin Bordoloi, Gopinath Bordoloi's youngest son, shared how, during his father's time as chief minister, his elder brother Dhiren Bordoloi faced challenges in securing Rs 200 for admission to Assam Medical College, and how their mother had to borrow money to construct their home in Ulubari.