A tribute to Shri Sasanka Nath Baruah

Shri Sasanka Nath Baruah, (Partha, we called him) an elderly member of our extended family, passed away on 13 of this month at Guwahati after a seven year battle with serious illness, which he fought with fortitude, courage and dignity.

First met him forty years ago when my youngest sister got married into their family..

Belonging to one of the pre-eminent families of As- sam, namely the Baruah Tea planters, he served the Industry (Goodricke Tea Company ) with distinction and was highly regarded for his contribution to it . A perfect gentleman, he stood out with his dignified conduct, upright behavior and belonged to that special breed who lived by a concept of it's not done , putting to an acid test any act of deed before committing . A stickler for proprietary he lived life stylishly. Not for him an incorrectly laid table or a napkin not neatly folded! As in life, so also when he was called he showed that dignity by insisting that he not to be taken to the hospital with its ICUs and tireresome procedures and instead chose to be at home amongst his own. He conversed with his daughter far away in Dubai and unable to come, using BOTIM something akin to our Skype or Zoom, the previous evening, Today, on tha day of his Adya Shradddha, as we join Mira Baideo, his bereaved wife and Pritom and Priya his two beloved children, in their in their moment of grief, we pray for peace of his soul in His Company and for strength and understanding. His memory will always remain as an inspiration on the art of living graciously and with dignity. May the Grace of God be on all of us.

– A member of the extended family