Guwahati, April 3: The Government of Assam conferred its highest civilian awards—Assam Baibhav, Assam Saurav, and Assam Gaurav—at a grand investiture ceremony held at the Srimanta Sankardeva International Auditorium in Guwahati on Thursday. The event was graced by Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The Assam Baibhav, the state’s highest civilian award, was conferred posthumously on Lt Gen (Retd) Rana Pratap Kalita, former General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army’s Eastern Command, in recognition of his distinguished service in national defence and strategic leadership.
Six distinguished individuals were honoured with the Assam Saurav, awarded for excellence in various fields:
- Subramanian Ramadorai, former CEO of TCS, for contributions in IT and skill development.
- Dr Bappi Paul and Dr Purabi Saikia, noted scientists in environmental science.
- Dwipen Baruah, veteran playback singer, for his contribution to Assamese music.
- Hemanta Dutta, theatre personality, for enriching Assam’s mobile theatre tradition.
- Uma Chetry, cricketer from Golaghat, recognised for her achievements in Indian women’s cricket. The award was presented at her residence as she was away on national duty.
Thirteen individuals and three institutions received the Assam Gaurav award, which acknowledges grassroots excellence and service in diverse sectors. Among the recipients were:
- Meenakshi Das, a solo biker who travelled across 64 countries.
- Parthib Gogoi, rising footballer.
- Phuleswari Dutta, for wildlife conservation efforts.
- Nazrul Haque (aquaculture), Biswajit Bora (agriculture), Bharat Kalita (dairy farming), Haridas Das (brass craftsmanship), and Binong Teron (free education for underprivileged students).
- Entrepreneurs Upamanyu Borkakoty and David Pratim Gogoi, recognised for their work in sustainable innovation.
- Ram Sashoni and Barlangfa Narzary, celebrated for their contribution to folk and tea-tribe music.
Three institutions were also honoured: Choran Ahem, for promoting traditional Mising cuisine in Kaziranga; Barekuri Eco Development Society in Tinsukia, for environmental conservation; and Hati Bondhu, an NGO working in elephant welfare.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma praised the awardees for their “exceptional service and inspiration to the people of Assam,” stating that recognising contributors at every level of society strengthens the state’s spirit of inclusive development.
The state government also announced that award recipients will be entitled to complimentary accommodation at Assam Bhawans and Circuit Houses for up to 15 days per year, acknowledging their valuable contributions to society.
The Assam Civilian Awards, instituted in 2021, continue to celebrate individuals and organisations that bring pride to the state through dedication, innovation, and selfless service.
