HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, July 30: Governor of Assam Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Wednesday conferred the Governor Assam Award for Excellence 2025 to distinguished individuals across various fields at a formal ceremony held at Raj Bhavan here.
The event was graced by the Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court Justice Ashutosh Kumar and Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly Biswajit Daimary, among other dignitaries.
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According to an official statement, the awards were presented in categories including science, engineering, medicine, environment, social work, education, literature, art and culture, trade and commerce, and sports.
Bapan Das, an entrepreneur known for promoting antibiotic-free poultry farming through his startup Graduate Farmer, received the award in the category of science, engineering, medicine and environment.
His initiative was earlier recognised among the top 20 emerging startups of the Northeast by IIM Calcutta Innovation Park.
Assistant Professor of Dibrugarh University Dr Amar Upadhyaya was honoured for his contributions in social work and public affairs, including plantation drives, blood donation camps, and advocacy for education and women empowerment.
The award for literature and education was given posthumously to Dr Nagen Thakur, former Head of the Assamese Department at Gauhati University, for his contributions to Assamese literature.
His son Devashish Thakur received the award on his behalf.
In the category of art and culture, Umananda Dowerah was recognised for his work as a curator and archivist of old Assamese gramophone records and for establishing a dedicated museum in Moran, Dibrugarh district.
The award for trade, industry, and commerce went to Abhinash Hazarika of Kakojan Kamar, Jorhat district, for his role as an educator and trainer for students and artisans across Assam and beyond.
Footballer Debashish Roy of Guwahati was awarded in the field of sports for his achievements that have brought laurels to the state.
Each award includes a traditional gamocha, seleng sador, a medallion, a citation, a cheque of ₹1 lakh, and a japi.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Acharya congratulated the awardees and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve Assam.
He paid tribute to historical and cultural icons of the state, including Lachit Borphukan, Veer Chilarai, Kanaklata Barua, Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha, Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, and Dr Bhupen Hazarika.
He also spoke of his travels across districts, noting the vast potential of the state and its people.
As Chancellor of the state’s universities, the Governor stated that his role extended beyond academic oversight and included efforts to foster engagement with students and educators.
He informed that the Governor Assam Awards for Excellence were launched on September 17, 2024, coinciding with the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the aim of recognising individuals contributing meaningfully to Assam’s developmental progress under the leadership of chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Present at the ceremony were the First Lady of Assam Kumud Devi, Chief Executive Member of North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council Debolal Gorlosa, Chief Executive Member of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Tuliram Ronghang, DGP Harmeet Singh, and Commissioner and Secretary to the Governor SS Meenakshi Sundaram, among others.
