Senior citizen of Sivasagar dies at 102

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

SIVASAGAR, Nov 8: Patit Pawan Das, a leading senior citizen of Sivasagar and one of the favourite students of Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishn, died at his residence at Joysagar in Sivasagar on Wednesday morning following weakness and old-age related ailments. Born on January 12, 1915 at Ivo Gram of East Bengal, the veteran citizen of Sivasagar, was the former Vice-Principal of Sibsagar College, Joysagar.

At a time when living a healthy life is becoming a hard task for people, the secret of the longevity of Patit Paban Das was a matter of curiosity to many. Numerous well-wishers from different parts of Sivasagar thronged his residence as news of his demise spread. According to family sources, Patit Paban Das, while studying in Calcutta University, was a favourite student of Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishn. After securing Bachelor degree from Fotis College of Calcutta, Das took his Masters in Philosophy from the Calcutta University in 1947. Das joined as a professor in Sibsagar College, Joysagar in the department of Philosophy in 1950. Later, he adorned the prestigious chair of Vice-Principal. He also took up the responsibility of Principal-in-charge of the college when Parag Chaliha joined Dibrugarh University as the first Professor in the chair of Xahityarathi Lakshmth Bezbaruah in 1968. Das retired as Vice-Principal in 1976.

Various organizations and people related to various fields expressed their condolence on the demise of the legendary person. Saurav Chaliha, noted social activist of Sivasagar, condoled the death of the eminent educationist. “He was one of our most distinguished educationists. He was a scholar and who had a deep understanding of our culture and values.” Das leaves behind two sons, two daughters, two daughters-in-law, grandchildren and a host of relatives. His elder son Dr. Sukalyan Das is an eminent paediatrician, while his younger son Supratim Das is serving as general mager at Power Grid, New Delhi.