Sarat Chandra Barua: A Tribute
It is with great sorrow that I mourn the demise of Late Sarat Chandra Barua, my beloved Peha, who was a father-figure, philosopher and guide to me. Blessed with a long life by the Almighty, it was only during the last year that we had enthusiastically celebrated his centery birthday which was well attended by friends, well-wishers and relatives.
Ever since my childhood, Peha had played a pivotal role in shaping my career, my life and my destiny. It was he who had presented me with my first table tennis racquet and prodded me to pursue my first love, table tennis, with dedication and zeal.
Born on April 18, 1917 in Golaghat, Sarat Chandra Barua passed his matriculation examition from Golaghat, under Calcutta University and thereafter completed his Intermediate in Commerce from Jaganth College, Dhaka (then part of undivided India) in 1941. With the onset of the second world war and resulting earth -shaking uncertainties, he had to return to Assam from Dhaka. In 1943, he completed his bachelorette in Commerce from Vidyasagar College, Calcutta with flying colours and thereafter, in 1944, he joined Assam Government Service as Inspector of Cooperative Societies, gaining profound experience in his work, serving in various districts of Assam. Under the Colombo Plan initiative, he was nomited for a training in Cada and after the completion of his training, he re-joined the department of Cooperatives as Joint Registrar in the year 1958.
In 1948, he entered into holy matrimony with Hemalata Duvarah, sister of noted artist and my father, Late Tarun Duvarah. The duo led a contended conjugal life for seven decades and were blessed with two sons and two daughters. After a glorious career fruitfully spent in several places in Assam and years of service to the people, he superannuated in the year 1976 .
Late Sarat Ch Barua was passiotely involved in the socio-cultural activities in his neighbourhood. Notable amongst them was the “Srimanta Sankardev Krishti Sangha”, of which he was the President of the Maging Committee.
In an age of fast paced society driven by consumerism, targets and rat races, Peha could be seen forging and cementing relationships with the people of the society where he belonged. His amiable ture always attracted admirers from far and wide and he found profound joy in interactions with people.
His son Ratul da and daughter-in-law, Anju bou have displayed exemplary devotion in taking care of Late Sarat Ch Barua during his sunset years and provided him with the necessary emotiol support in the aftermath of his wife’s demise after seven decades of togetherness.
On the day of his Adya Shradha ceremony, I pray to the Almighty to bestow his soul with eterl peace and salvation. I fall short of words to express my gratitude towards the person who was instrumental in shaping my life and making me what I am today. Nevertheless, I believe that Peha shall continue to remain a guiding star for me in my journey of life and his inspiring words shall continue to steer my ship during trials and tribulations.
—Tridib Duvarah