Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi: Remembering Assam’s First Chief Minister on His Birth Anniversary
By Amit Kumar
Today, August 6, marks the birth anniversary of Gopinath Bordoloi (1890–1950), one of Assam’s
most revered leaders and a key figure in India’s freedom struggle. Known affectionately as
“Lokpriya”, a title given by the then Governor of Assam Jayram Das Doulatram for his selfless service,
Bordoloi’s contributions helped shape the destiny of Assam and protect its identity during a critical
period in Indian history.
Born in Raha, Assam, Bordoloi lost his mother at the age of 12. He excelled academically, studying at
Cotton College and later graduating from Scottish Church College in Kolkata. Although he pursued
law, he briefly worked as a school headmaster before returning to law practice in Guwahati in 1917.
His political journey began in 1921 when he joined the Indian National Congress and took part in the
Non-Cooperation Movement. A firm follower of Gandhian non-violence, Bordoloi was imprisoned
multiple times for his activism. His deep involvement in the freedom movement eventually led to his
rise as a key political figure in Assam.
In 1938, he became the Chief Minister of Assam for the first time, and again in 1946, serving until his
untimely death in 1950. As Chief Minister, Bordoloi opposed communal politics and worked to
protect the rights of indigenous people, resisting the inclusion of Assam in the grouping plan with
Bengal proposed by the Cabinet Mission. His firm stand ensured Assam remained a part of
independent India rather than becoming a part of East Pakistan.
Post-independence, he collaborated with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to protect Assam’s sovereignty
from external threats and to rehabilitate Hindu refugees from East Pakistan. He was instrumental in
establishing institutions such as Gauhati University, Assam High Court, Assam Medical College, and
more.
Apart from politics, Bordoloi was also a noted writer, penning works like Annasaktiyog,
Shreeramachandra, and Hajrat Mohammad. His life was marked by simplicity, dedication, and an
unwavering commitment to the welfare of Assam.
In recognition of his immense contribution, he was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1999.
On his 135th birth anniversary, we remember Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi as a visionary who
safeguarded Assam’s future and laid the foundation for its progress.