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Gopinath Bordoloi
A prominent freedom fighter Gopinath Bordoloi was born on 6 June 1890. He was a lawyer and in 1917, started practising in Guwahati. He was a follower of Mahatma Gandhi and followed the path of non-violence.
In 1946-47 Muslim political leaders and most of them are allied to the Muslim League desired the inclusion of significantly Hindu controlled Assam. He worked relentlessly to prevent the inclusion of Hindu-dominated Assam (into East Pakistan that encouraged a majority of Muslims). Gopinath Bordoloi along with other politician’s used a lot of diplomacy and political effects in order to finally preserve this regional integrity within the Union of India.
After independence, Gopinath Bordoloi worked actively in rehabilitating thousands of Hindus refugees who run away from East Pakistan. He worked through out to ensure public peace and harmony in Assam. These moves of him kept Assam safe from war over East Pakistan’s freedom. He served the position of Chief Minister of Assam. He was conferred the prestigious award, the Bharat Ratna in 1999.
Bharat Ratna Award
The highest civilian award of the Republic of India is known as BHARAT RATNA. It came into existence on 2nd January 1954. The award was in recognition of extraordinary performance in the field of literature, science, public services, and arts only. This award belongs to all people of India without any discrimination of sex, race, and age. Previously award belonged to only limited criteria but in December 2011 the criteria were changed to include all fields of human endeavour.
Maximum 3 nominees may be awarded per year and recommendations for the same are specially made by the PM to the President. A Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion in the shape of a peepal leaf are the only two things being given to the recipients; no money is granted with the award.
In the Indian order of precedence, the Bharat Ratna award comes in the seventh position. But Bharat Ratna recipients are constitutionally prohibited to use the award name as the title as per Article 18 of the Constitution of India.
Since 1954, 44 distinguished individuals have been awarded this prestigious and highest civilian award in the country.
Get the list of Bharat Ratna Awardees by clicking here.
