Guwahati: In a spectacular ceremony held at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra in Guwahati, Hon’ble Vice-President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar witnessed the conferment of Assam Civilian Awards, expressing his deep appreciation for the diverse and touching variety of awards given to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in various fields.
Addressing the gathering, Vice-President Dhankhar praised the authenticity and credibility of the Assam Civilian Awards, emphasizing that these awards go beyond being just a celebration of individual achievements. He commended the government for transforming the award mechanism, stating, “We know the days when part patronage used to be the driving force, event management used to secure Padmas. But I see here such a massive, genuine, authentic transformational mechanism in giving awards. Congratulations to those who have done it.”
Vice-President Dhankhar acknowledged the uniqueness and depth of the awards, recognizing individuals across different strata of society. He expressed gratitude for being accommodated in the ceremony despite his parliamentary commitments, noting the remarkable commitment to societal growth showcased during the event.
The highest civilian award of Assam, the Assam Baibhav Award, was conferred on former Chief Justice of India, Justice Ranjan Gogoi. Vice-President Dhankhar highlighted Justice Gogoi’s contributions to shaping the legal landscape of the nation and commended his erudition and deference to the Doctrine of Separation of Powers.
In the sports category, the Assam Saurav Award was bestowed upon the dynamic athlete Hima Das, who has brought glory to Assam and the nation with her outstanding achievements in athletics. Vice-President Dhankhar praised Hima Das’s journey from the rice fields of Assam to the international sporting arena, citing it as a testament to the power of perseverance and determination.
Reflecting on the ‘Act East’ policy, Vice-President Dhankhar noted the rich dividends it is bearing for the northeastern region. He commended the government’s initiatives, leading to large-scale international events in the North East during India’s G20 presidency, predicting a tremendous positive impact for the region’s future.
The Assam Civilian Awards ceremony, beyond celebrating individual accomplishments, was recognized as a reflection of the rich tapestry of Assam, its people, and their invaluable contributions to the progress and cultural diversity of the nation. Vice-President Dhankhar concluded by expressing his gratitude and acknowledging the deep, touching, and emotive nature of the awards presented during the ceremony.