GUWAHATI, Dec 18 - Chairman of the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority Dhiren Baruah was felicitated by a number of organisations on the occasion of his 90th birthday at the Deshbhakta Tarun Ram Phukan Park here today.
Organisations including Save Guwahati Build Guwahati, Prakashjyoti Mahila Samity, Sir Shadulla Udyan Unnayan Samity, Pragjyoti Communications and Machkhowa Yuba Sangha celebrated his birthday and honoured him for his service to society. Mirel Quddus presided over the function.
A public activist from a socialist background, he has been raising key issues for the past five decades. He has taken up almost all the issues concerning the development of Guwahati through SGBG, the NGO he founded. Some of the movements he was associated with include broad-gauge expansion, Guwahati Refinery, B Borooah Cancer Hospital, facelift of the Judges� Field and development of Kumar Bhaskar Natya Mandir.
Noted journalist DN Chakravartty, a nonagenarian himself, in his speech said Baruah still had a socialist approach and the people of Guwahati will always remember him for his contributions. Eminent actor, writer and critic Dilip Hazarika also recalled his association with Baruah.
Others who spoke on the occasion included Ajoy Dutta, advocate Rohini Kr Das, Minati Chowdhury, KK Borooah, Biraj Sarma, Mrinalini Devi, Kailash Sarma, Bodo Sahitya Sabha president Taren Bodo and others. State Addl Chief Secretary MGVK Bhanu was also present.
Baruah thanked the people for honouring and giving recognition to his efforts. He also said that he will continue to work for people with the same zeal and enthusiasm.