Assam’s noted educationist Shri Chandra Borpatra Gohain has been awarded with the prestigious Luminous Lummer Dai Award 2020. The award was conferred upon the writer cum educationist at his Guwahati residence.

A delegation of Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS) led by President Yeshe Dorjee Thangchi awarded Gohain with a citation, a plaque, a shawl, a collection of books and Rs 10,000. Gohain was honoured with the award for his contributions and efforts to spread the light of education in the state for several decades from the 1950s. Stating that Gohain’s literary contributions had brought meaningful changes to the lives of Arunachal’s people, President Thangchi said that he is still remembered with love and respect. 

Focusing on the fact that the educationist’s efforts came at a time before even roads were developed in the state, Thangchi said, “Even the sun failed to illuminate the state with a rugged forested terrain in those days but Borpatra Gohain’s efforts radiated our lives with the light of education.”

Notably, Assam’s Gohain is a retired APCS officer who has written many short stories on the lives of several tribes living in the interior villages of Arunachal Pradesh. The award comes in relation to the 81st birth anniversary of Arunachal Pradesh’s pioneer litterateur Lummer Dai, one of the first educated people of the state. The celebrations were held in Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh where President Thangchi declared the names of the awardees of the year 2020: Chandra Borpatra Gohain and Arunachal Pradesh’s R N Koley. 

In his acceptance speech, Gohain recalled his times spent in Arunachal Pradesh between 1953 and 1980. He said that his soul still remains in Arunachal even if he was physically separated from the state. “I spent a good part of my life in Arunachal, closely interacting with the local people and was fascinated by their vibrant multicultural mosaic. Spreading education in the remote areas was extremely challenging in those days and quite dangerous, as well. The award is a recognition of my endeavor and I feel inspired,” he said.