GUWAHATI, Nov 9 - Writer and political commentator Colonel (retired) Manoranjan Goswami passed away at a private hospital in Mumbai around 12.45 am today following a prolonged illness. He was 78.
Goswami, who has a number of books to his credit, was the father of popular television journalist Arnab Goswami.
Born in January 1940, Goswami completed his matriculation from Sonaram High School in 1956, did his pre-university from Cotton College and went on to secure a civil engineering degree from the Delhi College of Engineering.
He joined the Indian Army in the early 1960s and served as a distinguished Army officer for nearly 30 years. Post retirement, Goswami served in some public and private sector organisations.
He also tried his hand in politics and had contested polls in 1998 as a BJP candidate from the Guwahati constituency.
In the latter part of his life, Goswami donned the hat of a political commentator and spoke on issues concerning the region. He was also the recipient of the Asam Sahitya Sabha Award in 2017. He was also associated with various socio-cultural organisations of the State.
Goswami leaves behind his wife, a daughter, a son and a host of relatives.
His last rites will be performed here tomorrow.
Meanwhile, condolences poured in from various quarters, which include Governor Jagdish Mukhi and Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
The BJP and the Congress have expressed grief at the demise of Goswami. The Cotton College Alumni Association of which he was the vice president, has also condoled his demise.