Noted educationist Niru Hazarika passes away in Guwahati

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Professor (Dr) Niru Hazarika — the first female academic from Northeast India to be awarded the degree of D. Litt — succumbed to Coronavirus at the GMCH (Gauhati Medical College & Hospital) in the wee hours of Sunday. Professor Hazarika played a pivotal role in shaping the Department of Political Science in GU (Gauhati University).The last rites were performed at the Bhootnath Cremation Ground here following full COVID-19 protocols.

In December last year, she had a stroke and was admitted to the Down Town Hospital in the city. After recovery, she again suffered from back pain in July this year after a fall. She gradually recovered after a successful operation at Down Town Hospital. But after returning her home in the Down Town area, she tested positive for Covid19. She was admitted to GMCH on July 21, 2021 and succumbed to COVID-19 infection in the wee hours on Sunday.

Late Hazarika was born to late Umeshwari Hazarika and Kul Kamal Hazarika at Jorhat in January 13, 1949. She cleared her Matriculation (HSLC) from Jorhat Government Girls High School in 1964. Then she topped the list of graduate students with honours in Political Science from 'Debicharan Barua Girls College, Jorhat. She secured the first class second position in her Masters in Political Science from GU (Gauhati University). In 1970, she joined as a lecturer in the Department of Political Science in GU in 1970. She retired as the HoD of the Department.

Notably, Professor Hazarika was the former Dean, Faculty of Arts, Gauhati University, and former member of ICSSR (Indian Council of Social Science Research), New Delhi.

Professor Hazarika has supervised more than 70 research scholars. She primarily specialized in public administration, government, and politics in Northeast India, and human rights.Professor Hazarika authored and co-authored several books. Some of her significant works include 'Public Service Commissions in India', 'Ethnic Autonomy in Northeast India: A Search for an Answer', 'Insurgency and Beyond', 'A Century of Civil Service in Northeast India' among others.

Prof Hazarika participated in a number of educational conferences of international level in America, England, France, the Netherlands and Spain. A number of her research papers have been published in various national and international journals.

Dr Niru Hazarika was also involved in the political field of Assam during the time of former Assam chief ministers Sarat Ch. Sinha and Hiteswar Saikia.During the tenure of Hiteswar Saikia, Dr Niru Hazarika was appointed as the political adviser of the state government and was given Cabinet status. The demise of Prof Hazarika has been mourned by leaders, her students and well-wishers.

The Department of Political Science of GU with whom Professor (Dr) Hazarika was associate with for over three decades, in a social media post mentioned, "Prof. Hazarika was one of the architects of the Department and contributed immensely towards the growth and expansion of the discipline of Political Science in the region. We pay our humble tribute to the departed soul. Late Prof (Dr) Hazarika started her service career as a teacher in Political Science of Gauhati University and ended her career in it. She was also a student of this University," the department noted in its post.

Acknowledging her immense contribution to the field of Political Science, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted: "Deeply saddened by the passing away of one of my revered teachers Dr Niru Hazarika. A prominent academician and the first lady from NE to have been awarded D. Litt, she authored several books and contributed to Political Science immensely. My condolences to the bereaved family."

Assam health minister Keshab Mahanta, who paid tribute to Prof Hazarika at the cremation ground, tweeted: "Deeply mourn the demise of distinguished academician Dr. Niru Hazarika, who provided guidance to me from my University days to social & political life. Paid floral tributes to her mortal remains today. My condolences to the bereaved family. May her soul rest in peace."

The AASU (All Assam Students Union) has condoled the demise of Prof (Dr) Niru Hazarika. The students' organization prayed to the Almighty for the eternal peace of the departed soul.

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