GUWAHATI: In a tribute to the “Architect of Modern Assam,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday unveiled a grand statue of the state’s first Chief Minister, Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi, at the Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport.
The unveiling marks a significant moment for the state, honoring the statesman whose decisive leadership prevented Assam from being merged into East Pakistan during the tumultuous pre-Independence era.
A Tribute to a Visionary Leader
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took to X (formerly Twitter) to express the state’s pride, emphasizing that the installation at the airport’s entrance—the gateway to Northeast and Southeast Asia—underscores Bordoloi’s enduring legacy.
“From one statesman to another! A proud moment for Assam today… We exist today as proud Bharatiyas due to his unflinching efforts and we owe a lot to his leadership,” Sarma wrote.
Key Highlights of the Tribute
- The Sculptor: The statue was crafted by the legendary late artist Ram Sutar, the renowned sculptor behind the Statue of Unity.
- Strategic Location: Positioned at the entrance of Guwahati Airport, the statue greets travelers entering the “Gateway to the Northeast,” symbolizing the state’s identity and aspirations.
- Historical Significance: The ceremony highlighted Bordoloi’s fierce opposition to the “Grouping Plan,” a move that ensured Assam remained an integral part of India rather than being annexed to East Pakistan.
Preserving Assam’s Identity
Gopinath Bordoloi is revered not only as a freedom fighter but as the protector of Assam’s socio-cultural fabric. Chief Minister Sarma noted that Bordoloi’s vision laid the foundation for a “confident and aspirational Assam” within the Indian Union.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by several high-ranking officials and dignitaries, marking a historic day for the region as it honors the man who shaped its modern destiny.
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