Guwahati: Padma Shri Prafulla Govinda Baruah, Editor and Managing Director of The Assam Tribune Group and one of the most influential figures in Assam’s journalism, passed away on Sunday at the age of 92 due to age-related ailments. He was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Guwahati for the past four days.
His demise has plunged Assam’s media fraternity and the wider public into deep mourning, marking the end of an era in the state’s journalistic history.
Widely regarded as the doyen of journalism in Assam, Baruah became the Editor of The Assam Tribune in 1966 and later took charge as the Managing Director of The Assam Tribune Group, guiding Assam’s oldest English daily and its Assamese sister publication with unwavering commitment to ethical and principled journalism.
Throughout his long career, Baruah played a decisive role during crucial phases of Assam and the Northeast, including the 1962 Chinese aggression, the 1971 Indo-Pak war, the foreigners’ issue, and the Assam Movement, consistently standing with the people and working in the national interest through responsible reporting and editorial leadership.
Beyond journalism, Baruah was actively associated with various socio-cultural organisations and was a strong supporter of amateur theatre in Assam, contributing significantly to the state’s cultural life. He was also deeply involved in social causes and received honours from organisations such as the Kamala Saikia Trust, Asam Sahitya Sabha, and the Dr B. Borooah Cancer Institute for his role in creating awareness about cancer.
In recognition of his exceptional contribution to journalism and public service, the Government of India conferred the Padma Shri on him in 2018. Further acknowledging his service to education and society, Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU) awarded him an Honorary Doctorate during its third convocation on February 3, 2019.
Leaders Condole Demise
Assam Accord Implementation Minister Atul Bora said Baruah’s demise has created an irreparable void in Assam’s national life and marked the end of a glorious chapter in the state’s journalism.
Minister Pijush Hazarika described him as a pioneer of Assamese journalism whose contributions would be remembered forever.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said Baruah’s lifelong dedication to principled journalism and his immense contribution to literature, education and public life will always be cherished.
AASU Chief Advisor Samujjal Bhattacharya termed Baruah a pathfinder of journalism in Assam and the Northeast, stating that his intellectual leadership during the Assam Movement and other crises was invaluable.
Condolences
Prayers have been offered for the eternal peace of the departed soul. Deep condolences have been extended to his bereaved family members, colleagues and countless admirers.
