Sanjiv Kr Deka (Apulda): A tribute

A friend in need is a friend indeed—this phrase could well be described to the persolity of Sanjiv Kr Deka, popularly known as Apulda-the ever young youth even at the age of 58.

In today’s materialistic world it is very difficult to find a person who used to extend a helping hand to the needy without expecting anything as return. His familiar attire with the no sleeves half jackets, tight black jeans, the distinctly visible tattoos on the arms, golden chains, broad belts, the silver waist band and the long hair with large chains on neck had offered him a special look with the familiar smile, dymic persolity and ever smart get up. No one in Mangaldai town could have believed that this ever young Apulda is no more. Sanjib Kr Deka, a prominent entrepreneur, social activist, state level sports and cultural organizer as well as a ture lover left for the heavenly abode on the midnight of October 7 leaving a void amongst his numerous admirers and family members.

Born on August 25, 1956 as the fourth son in the family of eminent businessman and industrialist Sunda Ram Deka (founder of SRD Group of Companies) and Sumitra Deka of Ward no-1, Mangaldai, Apulda had completed his education from Mangaldai. Since his student days he had been associated with various sports and social activities.  He played a pivotal role in the establishment of ‘Mangaldai Youth Club’ -one of the leading youth voluntary organization of the state more than 30 years back where he shouldered the responsibility as the secretary for a quite a long tenure of twenty years and was the Vice President till his demise.

He has significant contribution in creating the atmosphere of body building sports for which he established the first well equipped exercise gym for the youths of the Darrang district and formed the District Body Building Association.

He was also the founder president of Darrang District Badminton Association. Darrang.  It was his initiative that Mangaldai hosted All Assam Boxing Championship and All Assam Body Building Championship successfully some time back. Showing his deep interest in music, Apulda with active support from a group of likeminded cultural youths formed ‘Rock Hill Musical Group’-the first musical group of the district. He had a good relation with many renowned cultural artistes of the state including Dr Bhupen Hazarika, Zubin Garg etc. He used to organize the death anniversary of ‘Sudhakantha’ at Santipara Kali Mandir Premises regularly. Besides these, he was actively involved with the All Mangaldai Rongali Bihu Sanmilan, Mangaldai Raxx Mohotsav, Eid Sanmilan and many other organizations. He was also nomited as the Ward Commissioner from Ward No. 1 of Mangaldai Municipality Board.

He was also the pioneer in introducing the event magement concept in the district and kept running his enterprise under the familiar me of ‘Bhogjora’ quite successfully providing many local youths employment.

He was also a true ture lover and pious person who can be witnessed by the no of grown trees which he planted once on many prime locations of his home town, flower gardens in his residence, youth club and renovated temple of goddess Kali at Santipara.

Today on his Adyashraddha, I offer my deepest condolence to his bereaved family members.

– Bhargab Kumar Das