PATACHARKUCHI, March 21 - Sarifuddin Ahmad, a veteran journalist of Patacharkuchi town breathed his last at a hospital in Guwahati on Friday noon. He was 80.
Ahmad was admitted to the hospital on March 18 march in a serious condition. As a local correspondent for various newspapers, he worked nearly for four decades, and also authored 17 books besides editing a number of collections.
Being differently-abled, he was confined to a wheelchair for the most part of his life. He also worked as a subject teacher of economics at Patacharkuchi Vidyapith HS School.
When he could no longer work with his right hand, he surprised many people by starting to write with his left hand.
Born in 1942, he studied at Sarhia Chakla LP School and did his HSLC from Patacharkuchi Vidyapith HS School, and IA and BA from Cotton College with economics as the major subject. He did his master�s degree from Gauhati University.
He started reporting in Natun Asomiya in 1967, and thereafter worked with The Assam Express, Dainik Janambhumi, The North East Times, and also wrote in Dainik Asam and The Assam Tribune as a freelancer.
Due to his contribution in the field of literature, he was awarded literary pension by the government in 2007. He was associated with a number of organisations. He was the founder secretary and secretary for a number of terms of the Patacharkuchi branch of the Asam Sahitya Sabha, president of the Bajali Sanbadik Santha, and advisor of the Patacharkuchi Press Club.
A number of organisation including Patacharkuchi Press Club, Asam Sahitya Sabha, Patacharkuchi Development Committee, Patacharkuchi Anchalik Nagarik Manch, Patacharkuchi Anchalik AASU, Pragjyoti Club, Patacharkuchi Vidyapith, Nirmal Haloi College, Patacharkuchi Town Committee, Patacharkuchi branch of Assam Science Society, Pathsala Press Club, AJYCP Barpeta district committee, Patacharkuchi Bazaar Committee, condoled
his death.
His janaza was performed on Saturday morning after prayers in presence of a large number of well-wishers and relatives.
The Patacharkuchi bazaar was kept closed up to 11 am as a mark of respect to the departed soul. The Patacharkuchi branch of the Asam Sahitya Sabha also flew its flag at half mast.
