Assam Cabinet Announces Recipients of State’s Highest Civilian Awards.

Guwahati, March 9, 2025: The Assam Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, convened at Lok Sewa Bhawan on Sunday to finalize the recipients of the prestigious Assam Baibhav, Assam Saurav, and Assam Gaurav Awards for the year. These awards, instituted to recognize outstanding contributions across various fields, will be formally conferred on March 30, 2025 in a grand ceremony.

Assam Baibhav Award – The State’s Highest Honor

The Assam Baibhav Award, the highest civilian honor of the state, will be bestowed upon Lt Gen Rana Pratap Kalita (Retd) for his exemplary service to the nation’s defense.

Speaking at a press conference, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma lauded Lt Gen Kalita’s unparalleled contributions. A highly decorated officer, Lt Gen Kalita served as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Indian Army’s Eastern Command and previously led the III Corps at Dimapur.

Over his four-decade-long tenure, Lt Gen Kalita was honored with multiple prestigious awards, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Sena Medal (SM), and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM).

An alumnus of Sainik School, Goalpara, and the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Lt Gen Kalita was commissioned into the 9 Kumaon Regiment on June 9, 1984, from the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. He played a key role in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu & Kashmir, commanded a Mountain Brigade and an Infantry Division, and later led a Corps in the Northeast.

Lt Gen Kalita also held important positions at Army Headquarters, including roles in the Military Secretary’s Branch, Operational Logistics Directorate, and Adjutant General’s Branch. He served as Chief of Staff at Eastern Command Headquarters and taught at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, as well as at the Higher Command Wing of Army War College, Mhow.

His international contributions include two tenures with the United Nations—first as a Military Observer in Sierra Leone and later as the Chief Operations Officer in Sudan.

Lt Gen Kalita made history as the first officer from Assam to serve as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command. Additionally, he served as the Colonel of the Kumaon & Naga Regiments and Kumaon Scouts, leaving an indelible mark in India’s military history.

Assam Saurav Award – Recognizing Excellence

The Assam Saurav Award, conferred upon individuals excelling in diverse fields, will be awarded to:

Dr. S. Ramadorai, Chairman of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), for his contributions to the IT industry.

Dwipen Baruah, renowned playback singer, for his contributions to the Assamese music industry.

Dr. Purabi Saikia, recipient of the Bhatnagar Award, for her contributions to scientific research.

Dr. Bappi Paul, a leading academician and researcher, for his work in the education sector.

Hemanta Dutta, a celebrated theatre artist, for promoting Assamese theatre.

Uma Chetry, Assam’s rising cricket star, for her achievements in sports.

Assam Gaurav Award – Honoring Societal Contributions

The Assam Gaurav Award, recognizing individuals for their significant contributions to society, will be presented to:

Fuleshwari Dutta, for her dedicated work in environmental conservation.

Meenakshi Das, an inspirational biker, for promoting social causes.

Parthib Gogoi, a promising footballer, for his achievements in sports.

Dhirendra Nath Pal, a social worker from Dhubri, for his relentless community service.

Haridas Das, an expert artisan from Sarthebari, for his contributions to the traditional bell metal industry.

Binong Terang, a noted contributor from Karbi Anglong, for his impactful work.

Nazrul Haque, an entrepreneur from Sribhumi, for his contributions to local industries.

Biswajit Bora, a distinguished personality from Jorhat, for his social initiatives.

Bharat Kalita, a key figure in Bajali’s dairy revolution, for his contributions to the agriculture sector.

Barlangfa Narzari, for promoting Bodo literature.

Ram Sasoni, for his efforts in preserving and promoting Jhumoir dance.

Upamanyu Borkakoty, for his achievements in Assam’s tea industry.

David Pratim Gogoi, a startup entrepreneur revolutionizing brick manufacturing.

Special Recognition for Institutions

For the first time, the Assam Gaurav Award will also recognize outstanding institutions contributing to Assam’s development. Among the honorees are:

Choran Ahem, a traditional food enterprise from Kaziranga, promoting indigenous cuisine.

Barekuri Eco Development Society, an organization from Tinsukia, for its dedication to environmental conservation.

Hati Bondhu NGO, based in Nagaon, for its work in wildlife conservation, particularly in elephant protection.

The awards, instituted to honor excellence and dedication across various sectors, reflect Assam’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating its brightest minds and most dedicated contributors.

Stay tuned to BarakOutlet for further updates and exclusive coverage of the Assam Civilian Awards 2025.

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