GUWAHATI, March 14 - Noted columnist and litterateur Prafulla Mahanta died of cardiac arrest at his Mathura Nagar residence here at 6.15 am today. He was 77.
A popular column writer with significant contributions in the field of literature, Mahanta was also an active participant of the Assam Movement. In 2003, he retired as a chief executive from India Carbon Limited.
Leading an active public life, Mahanta was the former president of the Assam Mountaineering Association, general secretary of the Assam Jyestha Nagarik Sanmilan, secretary of Sabita Sabha, and was also associated with Dispur Sahitya Sabha and Mathura Nagar Kristi Bikash Kendra. This apart, he had also contributed significantly for the welfare of senior citizens.
Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has condoled the death of Prafulla Mahanta. In his message, the Chief Minister said that throughout his life Mahanta worked for the welfare of people in various spheres of social life and as a columnist also, his writings highlighted the same facets of his personality. �His death is an irreparable loss for the State,� the Chief Minister said.
Press Advisor to the Chief Minister Hrishikesh Goswami also mourned the death of Mahanta and expressed his sympathies to the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.
The All Assam Students� Union and Guwahati Senior Citizens� Association also have condoled the death of Mahanta.
Mahanta leaves behind his wife Niru Mahanta, son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren. His last rites were performed at the Bhootnath crematorium.
