GUWAHATI: Abani Borthakur, a noted social scientist, prominent leftist, academician, and freedom fighter, passed away on Tuesday, July 23.
He had been battling various age-related illnesses for a long time and died at KGMT Hospital in Geetanagar, Guwahati.
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His mortal remains have been taken to his birthplace in Nazira today, July 24. Borthakur, who consistently raised his voice against injustice, was active in various social gatherings, conclaves, and meetings until recently.
Known for his relentless protests against government policies he deemed anti-people, anti-caste, and exploitative, Borthakur had been in declining health for several months. He was reportedly admitted to Apollo Hospital in Christianbasti, Guwahati, in February this year but returned home after recovery, although his health remained fragile.
Borthakur, a former principal of Nazira College, was a vocal advocate for the rights of the proletariat and once served as the secretary of the Assam unit of the Communist Party of India. Even at the age of 90, he continued to protest for people's rights, standing resolute against the government and its various agencies.
Born in 1929, Abani Borthakur actively participated in India’s freedom movement while studying at Cotton College. In 1945, he became the secretary of the Students' Federation of Sivasagar district, driven by his commitment to social reform. From the 1950s, he was an all-round worker for the Communist Party of India and became the assistant secretary of the party and a member of its editorial board by 1970. He served as the general secretary of the Assam Students' Federation from 1948 to 1958. Despite his political and social activism, he graduated in 1955 and earned a master's degree in history in 1963.