Pradip Das: A tribute

T hough death is inevitable, it is very hard for family members, relatives, friends and well wishers to accept the news of the demise of their near and dear ones. The demise of eminent businessman and social activist with a strong persolity, Pradip Das is very difficult to be accepted by his well-wishers and friends, not to speak of his family members.

Pradip Das, popularly known as Dipu da, was a well-known person in the district for his role in activating the organizatiol activities of the BJP in the undivided Darrang district since 1990. He was the proprietor of Ujjwal Jyoti Gas House, the first distributor of Indane Gas under Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) in Darrang district founded in Mangaldai in 1982. For his skill in continuing the business with efficiency, the IOC even awarded him Star category of dealership. Besides this, Pradip Das, in recognition of his service towards the society, was awarded the prestigious ‘Udyog Ratan’ award at a function attended by a number of distinguished dignitaries in New Delhi.

Born as the second son to the family of police officer Mahesh Das and Bi Das, origilly of Tezpur who later settled in Mangaldai, on March 20, 1948, Das completed his education in Mangaldai and later emerged as a youth leader with courage, quality and a non-compromising attitude. In 1978, he played a vital role in strengthening the organizatiol activities of the erstwhile Jata Party as the president of Darrang district Yuba Jata Party and also paved the way for victory of Jata Party in the assembly election. During this period he came in close contact with Jata Party leaders Chandra Shekhar, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Golap Borbora and others. He was also actively involved with Mangaldai District Educated Unemployed Association in the mid 70s. However, he for a very short period, served as an employee in the Fishery department, but resigned from it with the aim to get involved in business independently. He was also closely associated with the Sangh Parivar. Following the unfortute killing of the president of Mangaldai Chambers of Commerce (MCC) and lawyer Binoy Kumar Ghosh, Pradip Das was elected unopposed as the president of the MCC and shouldered his responsibility with utmost devotion and dedication. He also played the key role in successful celebration of golden jubilee of MCC in a befitting manner.

During the initial period of the historic Assam Agitation, Pradip Das took a very active role in organizing public meetings and rallies in different areas of the district. He also contested in the assembly election from Mangaldai LAC in 1996 as a BJP candidate, but the poor organizatiol activities of the BJP at that time resulted in his defeat.  

He breathed his last at a private nursing home in Guwahati on December 17 at the age of 69 following a long ailment. On this day of adya shraddha, I pray before the Almighty to grant eterl peace to the departed soul.

—Bhargab Kumar Das

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