Akhil Gogoi

While many 'newsmakers' are catapulted to almost celebrity status overnight for doing hardly anything of acclaim, many others languish in the shadows despite living for others and helping change the lives of the underprivileged. Many of them remain mere footnotes to history, their extraordinary work almost snuffed out before the gale force of petty sensationalism that the world seems to find more 'interesting'. So here is an attempt to honour those who have done some extraordinary and selfless work in the society, bringing joy to hundreds of lives. This is a salute to the unsung heroes of 2012.

By Tenzin Yangdon | Yahoo! India News – Mon 26 Nov, 2012 3:15 PM IST

Coming from the sensitive region like the North-East, Akhil Gogoi was initiated into activism early in life. One of the best-known RTI and anti-graft activists from Assam, Akhil has taken part in many agitations to fight corruption.

Currently, Akhil is the general secretary of Assam-based organization Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS). The organization works at the grassroots level.  He has a close associate of Anna Hazare since the latter began his anti-graft movement.

The 36-year-old activist was born in Assam's Jorhat district and educated at Cotton College in Guwahati. Because of his work, Akhil has often been at the receiving end of politicians as well as the police. From physical assaults to arrests, he has faced it all. He was instrumental in uncovering the scams in Assam to advocating rights of the tirbals.

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