GUWAHATI, Aug 24 ? Surabala Bardoloi, the widow of Bharat Ratna Gopinath Bordoli ? the first Prime Minister of Assam, passed away at 6: 40 pm, in her Ulubari home today. Bardoloi who was 98, had been suffering from illness since the last couple of days.
Surabala Bardoloi shot into prominence with her devoted support to her husband who emerged as the undisputed leader of Assam during the freedom struggle despite his difference with the then Congress leaders on many issues. It needs no mention that Bardoloi was reckoned as the man championing the cause of the people of the State. Surabala was all along by the side of her husband during those trying times.
Her support to Gopinath was such that the Bharat Ratna could continue with his mission to place Assam at a respectable position in the politics of the country in calm and composed manner despite the tragedies that struck the Bardolois during those days. It was because of this contribution of Surabala Bardoloi that Gopinath could make the Constituent Assembly accept the provisions like the Sixth Schedule for the Constitution of the country. Surabala Bardoloi was born on July 24, 1907, in North Guwahati.