GUWAHATI, March 13 - Dr Renu Devi, a leading educationist of the country and an Emeritus Fellow of the University Grants Commission (UGC), left for her heavenly abode at 11.25 am today at her Kharghuli residence. She was 84.
Dr Devi, wife of eminent intellectual, academician and former Vice Chancellor of the Gauhati University Dr Debo Prasad Barooah, was not just a teacher and educator of great repute, but also a vocal supporter of woman empowerment and socio-educational transformation in society.
With an exceptional academic career starting from matriculation, postgraduation and LLB, Dr Devi was nominated to undergo studies as an associate for a year at the Institute of Education, London, and she obtained her PhD degree in 1972. She was accorded the Emeritus Fellow, which is the highest recognition given to an eminent scholar, by the UGC in 1994.
As a founder Director of the Women Studies and Research Centre of the Gauhati University, she took initiative in organising more than 20 seminars on gender issues at the grassroots level.
She has more than 25 books on educational and social issues to her credit, which she wrote both in English and Assamese.
She was invited to participate in the Lifelong Integrated Education meet organised by the UNESCO in Paris, where she presented a paper, �Social status of Indian women.� In 1987, she represented India at an international meet on the �Role of women in academic, professional and personal aspects,� which was held in Santa Barbara. She also represented India and Assam at several other international meets held in different parts of the world.
Head of the Department of Education for two consecutive terms, she was also a dean of arts at the Gauhati University. Moreover, she was associated with the Indian Association of Teachers Education, Indian Association of Women Studies and National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE). Dr Devi was also the expert member in the committee of evaluation, established by NCERT.
She has left behind her son, daughter-in-law and a host of admirers. Her last rites were performed at the Navagraha crematorium.
Meanwhile, the All Assam Students� Union has condoled the demise of Dr Devi.
