Activist of language medium movement of 1972 passes away

From our Correspondent

MANGALDAI, Jan 24: Bhupen Saharia, popularly known as Saru bhaiti, in all walks of life in the district of Darrang, who played a bold and courageous role in Mangaldai during the All Assam Students’ Union sponsored ‘Medium Movement’, breathed his last in a private hospital at Amingaon near Guwahati in the early hours on Tuesday. He was 64. He was suffering from prolonged illness since last couple of months.

Born to the family of Hara Kanta Saharia, a prominent citizen of Bhebarghat in Mangaldai as the youngest son, Bhupen Saharia always stood by the side of the needy and the oppressed without caring for his persol matters and for his bravery and thus earned a high reputation in the district.

During the rail accident at Kahibari in Udalguri, which is one of the tragic rail accidents of the country, Saharia showed extreme courage and social responsibility and got engaged in rescue operation to bring the injured and the deceased railway passengers to Mangaldai Civil Hospital in his Ambassador car despite the worst flood situation. Later, he got involved with business and farming. Displaying his immense affection to wild animals, he kept a number of wild animals, including leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, python, deer, peacock, and falcon, besides various species of dogs. He was also actively involved in the Assam Movement in the initial period and with various social organizations.

On receipt of the news of his demise, a number of admirers, including legislator Guru Jyoti Das, former minister Basanta Das, former legislator Hiren Kumar Das, president of Udalguri District Jourlist Union, Jayanta Kumar Das, secretary of Youth Club Rajib Deka, secretary of Mangaldai unit of AMSA, Dr. ni Gopal Saharia rushed to his residence to offer their last respect. The last rite was performed in public crematorium at Bhebarghat in presence of a large number of admirers, friends and relatives. He leaves behind his wife Manorama Medhi (Oly) and only son Bhushan Jyoti Saharia.