GUWAHATI, May 16 - Digendra Nath Barua, the first chemical engineer of the northeastern region, former MD of the Assam Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) and a prominent resident of Ambikagiri Path off RG Baruah Road, died at the Apollo Hospital here around 10:30 am today. He was 98.
Barua started his career with the Hindustan Fertilizer Corporation at Namrup and shifted to the AIDC where he was the only non-IAS managing director for many years. He retired from AIDC in 1976-77.
During his illustrious career Barua was instrumental in rapid industrialisation of the State. He played a major role in setting up the Federation of Industries of North Eastern Region (FINER) and NEDFi.
He also initiated establishment of the Assam Petrochemicals Limited and the Cachar Sugar Mill during his stint at AIDC.
After his retirement, Barua was instrumental in setting up the Guwahati Stock Exchange and was its working president. As president of the Guwahati Management Association (GMA) for long 12 years, he shaped and nurtured the organisation into the robust management body it is today. He was also a past president of Rotary Club of Guwahati South and a member of the Senior Engineers� Forum, Guwahati (Northeast region).
Barua is survived by his son, daughter, daughter-in-law, grandchildren and innumerable admirers.�
Owing to the COVID-19 situation, a small group of senior GMA members visited Barua�s residence here to pay their last respects to the departed soul, while another GMA team attended the cremation rites at the Nabagraha cremation ground here. Various organisations and associations have condoled Barua�s death.
