'Bir Chilary' award presented

Guwahati, June 16 (UNI) Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today conferred the first 'Bir Chilaray' Award posthumously to former Chief Minister late Sarat Chandra Sinha.

The award was presented to late Sinha's wife, Mrs Labonya Sinha, at a solemn function in the city.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Gogoi recalled the contributions of the former Chief Minister, describing him as a Gandhian in true sense.

''Through astounding brilliance allied with balanced judgement, personal charm and unaffected modesty, late Sinha was perhaps the most admired and beloved man in his state,'' Mr Gogoi said.

The award, instituted by the state government for the first time this year, is named after legendary hero Bir Sukladhvaj, the commander in chief of the then Kock King Narayanan (1540-1586).

The award carries a citation and Rs 1 lakh cash.

UNI