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GL Agarwala passes away

By STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI, Jan 31 - The managing director of GL Publications and noted social worker GL Agarwala passed away around 4:30 pm at his Lachit Nagar residence here today. He was 78. A leading personality in the media industry of the region, Agarwala was ailing for quite some time. Under his leadership, GL Publications brought out a number of publications, including Assamese daily Amar Asom, the region�s first Hindi daily Purbanchal Prahari and publications like The Northeast Times, Meghalaya Guardian and Pubali among others. He was also the publisher of the compilation of the first Assamese literary monthly journal Jonaki.

A pioneer in social work in the State, Agarwala�s GL Social Circle is considered as one of the best practices in the country. The ambulance service, which also included hearse service, launched under GL Social Circle, was first of its kind in the region, which catered to a long-felt need of the Guwahatians. He was instrumental behind the complete overhaul of the Bhootnath cremation ground located at Bharalumukh here.

Agarwala was also associated with a number of sociocultural and religious organisations, including the Asam Sahitya Sabha. He played a leading role in the Barpeta session of the Sabha. He was also the general secretary of the North East Newspapers Society.

Born on September 19, 1940 at Barpeta, Agarwala was the recipient of a number of prestigious awards, including Dr Ambedkar Award for Social Service in 1998. He also represented Assam in various national and international media events. He played a major role in bringing out the Asomiya Biswakosh (Assamese Encyclopaedia by Asam Sahitya Sabha).

His last rites will be performed tomorrow with State honours at the Bhootnath cremation ground around 11:30 am. Prior to that, his mortal remains will be first taken to Hanuman Mandir at Lachit Nagar and then to Guwahati Press Club and Asam Sahitya Sabha premises where tributes would be paid to the departed soul.

He leaves behind his four daughters and a son besides a host of relatives.

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