A Tribute to Upen Sarma

Upen Sarma, whom we fondly called Upen Ma, was my dearest mama Koka.

He was born in a renowned family of Tarajan, Jorhat in 1932. Son of Late Dr Kamini Kanta Sarma and Late Smti Amuli Devi, Upen Ma's early education was in Tezpur under the guidance of his maternal grandfather Jnajneswar Barua, who was then Inspector of Schools of Upper Assam. He completed his Matriculation from Golaghat Bezbarua High School. During that time, the examination used to be conducted under Calcutta University.

Thereafter, his own sister and brother-in-law Mohini Barua and Dr Tarini Mohan Barua (a former minister during Janata Party government in late 70's), my koka and aita respectively, brought him to Guwahati to complete his graduation from Cotton College. After his graduation, he worked as a Guard in NF Railway for a brief period. He was also associated with All India Radio, Guwahati between 1969 and 1970 and worked with renowned recording artistes Deben Sarma and Puroshottam Das. He actively took part in the Assam Agitation during 1979-80. He was also a journalist, who worked as a sub-editor in The Sentinel daily in 1990s and wrote a number of letters to the editor to various English dailies. Within his circles, he was respected for his knowledge of world geography and current affairs. Upen Ma was one of the founder members and general secretary of the reputed NGO, Save Guwahati Build Guwahati.

Also an avid swimmer, Upen Ma accomplished the Herculean feat of swimming across the mighty Brahmaputra from Kuruwa to Uzanbazar Ghat in his 50's. He was a sports lover and played table tennis in his younger days. Everybody loved Upen Ma for his amiable nature and helpful attitude. He would always regale us with tales and anecdotes from his vintage experiences, to which we listened with rapt attention.

We will cherish Upen Ma's jest for life and love towards all those who knew him. May God keep him in everlasting peace.

– Kakoly Chaliha

Also Watch: Assam Agri Minister Atul Bora Not a Factor: AJP

Also Read: Arnab Goswami accused Mumbai police of forcing him to "drink some liquid"