Pradeep Kumar Baruah, a very prominent citizen of Dibrugarh, left for heavenly abode on September 10, 2020. He was 82. He was the third son of Bidyadhar Sharma Baruah, who was a District and Session Judge of Dibrugarh.
Pradeep Baruah did his schooling from Dibrugarh Government Boys' HS School and after completing his graduation from Cotton College, went on to study Law. However, he found his calling elsewhere and started his own business. He started his fertilizer distribution firm P Baruah and Co in 1974. Apart from running a successful business, he served as the president of Dibrugarh Chambers of Commerce as well.
A very popular and socially responsible person, Baruah served as the district president of Rotary Club of India, Dibrugarh and was a Paul Harris fellow. He was involved in Rotary's flagship campaign of Polio Eradication. He was also the founding president of Chayanika from 1992 - 1995, a socio-cultural organization of Dibrugarh. Later, he was actively involved in the administration of Urovision Hospital. This is also where he breathed his last amidst the love and care of the staff who fondly addressed him as 'Mama'.
Gyandayini Sabha is another organization which was very dear to his heart. Over the years, a major part of his life was spent with Gyandayini Sabha, of which he was the president till the end. He was happiest when he was involved in the various social, cultural and community developments projects of the Sabha.
In his demise, many people braved the rains to pay their last homage to him in his home and at Gyandayini Mandir. The members of Urovision Hospital also organized a memorial meet.
It was heartening to hear what people had to say about Baruah. Respecting the norms of COVID-19 as laid down by district authorities, the cremation was conducted with discipline and order.
An ardent lover of old Assamese and Bengali classic films, he was also involved in film production and launching the production house Ava Films. He backed many documentary films, including one for Doordarshan titled Tantra, films on Majuli, Assam Tourism, char chapori and other cultural aspects of Assam. Baruah remains the guiding light for Ava Films which is actively involved in music videos, notably with Shreya Ghoshal, Papon and other Indian musicians.
Pradeep Baruah led his life with a dedication to service, both to the society and his extended family. He leaves behind his sons Parasher Baruah and Partha Protim Baruah, daughters-in-law Mayuri Rajkonwar and Sikhamoni Sarma Baruah and grandson Jeevraj Baruah. He was a true son of Dibrugarh and dedicated his life in the service to his beloved town in his various roles and responsibilities over the years.
— Parasher Baruah
Also Watch: Smuggled Timber seized in West Karbi Anglong