Guwahati, Jan 16: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Tuesday that the state government will confer the highest civilian award, “Assam Baibhav,” upon former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi.
The awards ceremony, scheduled for February 10, 2024, will be presented by Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria at Sankardev Kalakshetra, with Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar as the chief guest, as stated in the Chief Minister’s press conference.
Who is Ranjan Gogoi?
Enrolling as an advocate on August 28, 1978, Gogoi made history as the first judge from Northeast India to reach the position of Chief Justice of India. Appointed as a permanent judge of the Gauhati High Court on February 28, 2001, he served in that capacity.
During his tenure as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India, Gogoi played a crucial role in the court’s verdict on the longstanding Ram Janmabhoomi – Babri Masjid title suit.
Currently, he holds the position of a Member of the Rajya Sabha, a nomination granted by President Ram Nath Kovind on March 16, 2020. A notable distinction is that he is the third Supreme Court judge to transition to the Rajya Sabha, and significantly, the first to be nominated rather than elected.
His predecessors in this unique trajectory, Ranganath Mishra and Baharul Islam, were both elected as members of the Indian National Congress. In addition to his judicial career, Gogoi has penned an autobiography titled “Justice for the Judge: An Autobiography.” In 2019, he gained recognition by being ranked as the third most powerful person in India.
Assam Baibhav Award
The Assam Baibhav holds the distinction of being the highest civilian honor in the state of Assam. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma formally announced this prestigious award on December 2, 2021, in commemoration of “Asom Diwas” (Assam Day). The Assam Vaibhav Award comprises a cash prize of ₹5 lakh (US$6,300), and the recipient is granted lifelong medical treatment at government expense. The award’s design features an image of the Jaapi, a traditional Assamese hat, accompanied by the words “Assam Baibhav” inscribed in Assamese script, all presented on a leaf of the Hollong tree (Dipterocarpus retusus).
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