Assam: Library science expert Bhagawan Chandra Sarmah passes away at 84

OUR CORRESPONDENT

TEZPUR: Renowned library science expert and respected academic Bhagawan Chandra Sarmah, a former Director of Library Education under the Government of Assam, passed away on May 19 at a Tezpur private hospital, casting a shadow of grief over the Tezpur community. He was 84.

A resident of Kundil Nagar in Tezpur, Sarmah had been a prominent figure in Assam’s Library Movement. He began his career as the District Librarian in Silchar, where he played a key role in promoting reading culture and access to knowledge. His dedication and professionalism saw him later serve in the same capacity in Tezpur and Lakhimpur, before rising to become the Director of Library Education in Guwahati. He opted for voluntary retirement in the year 2000.

Born in Nalbari in 1942, Sarmah moved to Tezpur in the 1990s. Despite recent health issues, he remained active and intellectually engaged. On May 16, he suffered a sudden fall at home, resulting in a head injury. He was admitted to the hospital but sadly passed away.

Throughout his career, Sarmah was known for his integrity, leadership, and passion for spreading knowledge. He was deeply committed to making library resources accessible to all sections of society. Even after retirement, he continued contributing to the community, guiding the younger generation and promoting values of learning and service.

His daughters Urvashi Sarmah and Bhaswati Sarmah have continued his legacy of service. With financial assistance from his Canada-based younger daughter Bhaswati and with the support of the then Sonitpur District Commissioner, Deba Kumar Mishra, a high-capacity oxygen generation plant producing 500 litres per minute was established at Tezpur Kanaklata Civil Hospital. The project was inaugurated by Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary on August 16, 2023 in the presence of Bhagawan Chandra Sarmah.

Sarmah is survived by his two daughters, two sons-in-law, two granddaughters, and a large circle of admirers and well-wishers. His passing has been widely mourned by Tezpur MLA Prithiraj Rava, former Education Minister Brindaban Goswami, former MP Pallab Lochan Das, AMTRON Vice-Chairman Ritu Baran Sharma, District Commissioner Sonitpur Ankur Bharali, District Information and Public Relations Officer Ankita Gogoi, Tezpur District Library authorities, Sonitpur and Tezpur Xahitya Xabha, Baan Theatre, and many more organizations and individuals.

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