Guwahati, July 30: Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court Justice Ashutosh Kumar and Assam Legislative Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary were among several distinguished individuals honoured with the Governor’s Excellence Awards at a ceremony held at Raj Bhavan, Guwahati, on Wednesday.
The awards, presented by Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, recognise individuals who have made outstanding contributions in various sectors, including science, medicine, social work, literature, art, commerce, and sports.
In the science, engineering, medicine, and environment category, Bapan Das, an entrepreneur promoting antibiotic-free poultry farming through his startup Graduate Farmer, received the award. His initiative was also named one of the top 20 emerging startups of Northeast India by IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP).
The Award for Excellence in Social Work and Public Affairs was conferred on Dr. Amar Upadhyaya, Assistant Professor at Dibrugarh University, for his community-driven efforts such as plantation drives, blood donation camps, education awareness, digital literacy campaigns, and women empowerment initiatives.
In the field of literature and education, the award was given posthumously to Dr. Nagen Thakur, former Head of the Assamese Department at Gauhati University, in recognition of his lifelong contribution to Assamese literature. His son Devashish Thakur accepted the award on his behalf.
For art and culture, the award was given to Umananda Dowerah, a pioneering curator and archivist who established a gramophone records museum in Moran, Dibrugarh, preserving old Assamese gramophone music.
In trade, industry, and commerce, Abhinash Hazarika of Kakojan Kamar, Jorhat, was honoured for his role as an educator and professional trainer helping artisans and students across Assam and beyond.

The Governor’s Award for Excellence in Sports was presented to Debashish Roy, a veteran footballer from Guwahati known for bringing national acclaim to Assam through his achievements on the field.
Each award included a traditional gamocha, seleng sador, medallion, citation, ₹1 lakh cheque, and a japi.
Governor Acharya, in his address, praised the awardees for their service and dedication, stating, “Assam is a land of limitless talent—from Lachit Borphukan and Veer Chilarai to Dr. Bhupen Hazarika and Kalaguru Bishnu Rabha. Honouring achievers from Raj Bhavan is a step toward empowering this legacy.”
He emphasised that the awards, launched on September 17, 2024, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, aim to spotlight individuals contributing meaningfully to Assam’s growth under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The Governor also highlighted his own active role not just as Chancellor of universities but as a bridge between students, educators, and administration across Assam. He reiterated his commitment to supporting inclusive development through recognition and encouragement of local excellence.
The event was attended by First Lady of Assam Kumud Devi, CEMs Debolal Gorlosa (North Cachar Hills) and Tuliram Ronghang (Karbi Anglong), DGP Harmeet Singh, Commissioner & Secretary to the Governor S.S. Meenakshi Sundaram, and several other dignitaries.