2020 was an emotional year of saying goodbye to beloved history makers from the spheres of entertainment, literature, journalism, politics and sports. As the year comes to an end, G Plus remembers the sterling personalities of Assam who passed away this year and looks back at their lives, careers and the lasting memories they left behind!
1. Tarun Gogoi (Politician): Former chief minister of Assam Tarun Gogoi, one of Assam's most celebrated and respected politicians, died at around 5:34 pm on November 23. He was 86 years old at the time of his demise. Gogoi had tested positive for COVID-19 on August 26, after which he was admitted to the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). Although he later tested negative, the cause of his death has been attributed to be post-COVID complications. Tarun Gogoi leaves behind a lasting impression among millions of his admirers for his plain-speaking and never-say-die attitude. At an age when most would prefer the confines of cosy homes, Gogoi unleashed himself politically and verbally on his detractors. For 15 straight years, Gogoi was at the helm of the state’s affairs with his record and tenure remaining unblemished.
2. Archana Mahanta (Singer): Renowned folk singer from Assam, Archana Mahanta passed away on August 27, Thursday. Wife of Late Khagen Mahanta, she is survived by son Angaraag Papon Mahanta and daughter Kingkini Mahanta. Archana Mahanta was earlier admitted to a Guwahati-based hospital following a brain stroke on July 15. Archana Mahanta and her late husband Khagen Mahanta had an enormous contribution in popularising and preserving Assamese folk music. The duo's son Angarag Papon Mahanta, who has carved a niche for himself, is also a famous playback singer in Bollywood with an enormous body of work in Assamese music.
3. Syeda Anwara Taimur (Politician): Assam’s first and only woman chief minister Syeda Anwara Taimur passed away in Australia on September 28 reportedly due to cardiac arrest. The 84-year-old was staying with her son in Australia for the past four years. A four-time Congress MLA beginning with her first election in 1972, Taimur held portfolios like education before becoming chief minister for a brief period from December 6, 1980 to June 30, 1981. She was nominated for a Rajya Sabha term in 1988. She joined the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) in 2011.
4. Dr Sarat Dutta (Sportsperson): Dr Sarat Chandra Dutta, Urologist, Former Professor and Head of Department of Urology, Gauhati Medical College & Hospital, took his last breath today, December 7 at 10.30 am at Apollo Hospital, Guwahati. Dr Dutta was a dedicated social worker, captain of the Assam football team for Santosh Trophy. He was also a former District Governor of Lions Club International 322-D, Melvin Jones Fellow of Lions Club International, former President of Guwahati Mental Welfare Society, Member of the Pensioners' Association, and former President of India Club, Guwahati.
5. SV Subramanian (Police): Former Assam Director General of Police (DGP) SV Subramanian passed away on December 23, 2020. He was a 1960 batch IPS officer. IPS Officer SV Subramanian served as the DGP, Assam twice - once from 4th August 1988 to 6th May 1991 and again from 12th August 1991 to 31st March 1994. He passed away at Hyderabad. Assam Police offered condolences to the bereaved family.
6. Trailokya Dutta (Cartoonist): Renowned cartoonist and painter from Assam Trailokya Dutta passed away on November 11 at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). He was 90. Born in 1930 at Ratanpur village in the Bajali area of Barpeta district, Trailokya Dutta did his first box cartoon or pocket cartoon for the Dainik Asom newspaper titled ‘Kahudi’. He was a recipient of the Artist pension of Assam government, Bishnu Rabha award, Amulya Kakati Award, and Sonit Konwar Gajen Baruah award.
7. Upen Sarma (Journalist): Founder of Save Guwahati Build Guwahati, Upen Sarma expired on October 29 morning at his Bhetapara residence in Guwahati. He was 88. A senior journalist, Sarma was the founder editor of Raijor Sangbad, a newspaper published by the Government of Assam. Upen Sarma was a renowned sportsperson who swam across the Brahmaputra at the age of 49. His English writings on Guwahati are quite well known and revolutionary. He was a great influence in developing the city and was involved in many social works of Assam. He was greatly interested in the Brahmaputra riverfront development.
8. Hema Bharali (Freedom Fighter): Assam born freedom fighter and Padma Shri Hema Bharali passed away in Guwahati on April 29 at around 3:15 PM at her residence. She admitted in Nemcare Hospital in February last as she was suffering from prolonged illness. She was 101 years old. Born on 19 February 1919, Hema Bharali is an Indian freedom activist, social worker, Sarvodaya leader and Gandhian, known for her contributions for the empowerment of women and efforts towards the upliftment of the socially and financially challenged sections of the society.
9. Shankar Chakraborty (Actor): Noted Assamese actor Shankar Chakraborty passed away on October 3 at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Guwahati. He was suffering from kidney-related ailments and had also tested positive for COVID-19. An acclaimed actor, Chakraborty has acted in Bordoisila, Kohinoor, as well as Bhramyaman theatres. He has acted in many popular plays such as Moromor Bandhobi Bidai Diya, Radha Ebar Hahi Diya, Asthapath, and Pratighat, among others.
10. Dr Amaresh Dutta (Educationist): Renowned educationist Dr. Amaresh Dutta passed away at the age of 101. He breathed his last at his Dibrugarh residence. He was suffering from age-related ailments.He was conferred with the title of Professor Emeritus and the honour of Saraswat Sanman for his contribution towards literature. Dr. Amaresh Dutta was a scholar of Shakespearean literature and a former lecturer of Dibrugarh and Gauhati Universities.
