DOOMDOOMA, May 12 - Veteran trade union leader and social activist Niren Baruah passed away at a private hospital in Guwahati this afternoon. He was 85 and was suffering from old-age ailments.
Born in 1934 at Kamarkuchi village in Nalbari district, Baruah came to Doomdooma when he was a child and began his education here. Later, he joined the Doomdooma Branch Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha (ACMS) as a clerk. From 1965 to 2005 he served as the general secretary of the Doomdooma branch of ACMS and became popular among the tea labourers of around 60 tea gardens under the branch.
He also served the Doomdooma Sakha Sahitya Sabha and Doomdooma Asomiya Puja Aru Natya Mandir Samity in various capacities. He was the treasurer of the Reception Committee of the 55th session of Asam Sahitya Sabha held at Doomdooma in 1989. He also contributed in the establishment of Doomdooma College and several other educational institutions of Doomdooma area. Moreover, he was also associated with several other religious and social organisations here.
He leaves behind his wife, a son and two daughters besides a host of relatives.
His death cast a pall of gloom in the tea town. Former Labour minister, ex-MLA of Doomdooma LAC and the president of Doomdooma branch of ACMS Dileswar Tanti, ACMS general secretary Rupesh Gowala, Doomdooma College, Doomdooma Sakha Sahitya Sabha, Doomdooma Press Club, Doomdooma Asomiya Puja Aru Natya Mandir Samity and many other organisations have deeply mourned the death of Niren Baruah.
