Syllabus: GS-I & V: Assam History and Culture

Why in the News?

Prafulla Govinda Baruah, the veteran journalist, Chairman Emeritus and Editor of The Assam Tribune, the oldest and highest-circulated English daily in Northeast India, passed away at the age of 93 in Guwahati due to old-age ailments.

His demise marks the end of an era in Assamese journalism, leaving a huge void in the media and socio-cultural landscape of the entire Northeast region.

His Life and Contributions: A Pioneer’s Legacy

Early Life and Education:

• Born in Dibrugarh on July 26, 1932, he completed his schooling there.
• He achieved a First Division in his Matriculation from Gauhati University in 1949.
• He graduated with Honours in Economics from Presidency College, Calcutta (1953), and passed his MA from the same institution in 1955.
• He was a Gold Medallist of Calcutta University in LLB (1957).
• In 1964, he secured a scholarship to study journalism and printing technology at the Thomson Foundation of the United Kingdom.

Journey in Journalism and Media Leadership:

• He formally began his career in the newspaper industry in 1962 and soon took leadership of the family-run newspaper group.
• The Assam Tribune, founded in 1939 by his father Radha Govinda Baruah, remains the oldest and highest circulated English daily in Northeast India.
• He took over as the Managing Director of the Assam Tribune group of newspapers in 1966.
• He held the position of Editor of The Assam Tribune since 1997.
• His leadership earned the paper high praise, with the PM describing it as “the voice of the people of the region” and stating that people of the Northeast “can live without their morning cup of tea but not without The Assam Tribune.”

The Voice of the Northeast in Crisis:

• The most significant contribution of the Assam Tribune group under his leadership was its strong, unwavering role on every critical issue concerning the people of the Northeast.
• The newspapers consistently raised the public voice to draw the attention of the Government of India.
• He led from the front, ensuring the newspapers stood by the people and worked in the interest of the nation during crises like the Chinese aggression in 1962, the war with Pakistan in 1971, and the problems of infiltration of foreigners.

Contribution to Literature and Culture:

• To promote Assamese literature, he started publishing Goriyasi, a monthly literary magazine, from his publishing house, Sahitya Prakash.
• The magazine publishes books and works by prominent literary personalities of the State.
• He founded Jyotirupa, a socio-cultural organisation, to encourage young talents by organising annual drama festivals and competitions and inviting prominent artistes from across the country to perform in Assam.

Role in Education and Development:

• He played a key role in laying the foundation of the RG Baruah College.
• He organized a series of seminars titled ‘Assam Prakalpa’ with associates and experts, including economists, to facilitate the all-round economic development of Assam.
• He also sponsored a programme on ‘Investment Opportunities in Northeast’, which was attended by former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

Awards and Recognition:

• He was conferred the prestigious Padma Shri award for his significant contributions to the field of journalism.
• He was honoured by the Kamala Saikia Trust (formed in memory of the journalist shot dead by militants).
• He was felicitated by the Asam Sahitya Sabha for his contributions to literature, art, and culture.
• The Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute presented him with an appreciation citation for his role in creating awareness for cancer control.

A Father Figure to Employees:

• He was considered a “father figure” by the employees of The Assam Tribune, consistently standing by them in times of need.

Exam Hook: Key Takeaways

• The Assam Tribune Group (Founded 1939): A historically significant English daily in Northeast India, reflecting the region’s aspirations and challenges.
• Goriyasi: A key Assamese literary magazine reflecting the cultural contribution of the group.
• Padma Shri: Recognizes the high level of his contribution to journalism and public life.
• Role of Regional Press: His life exemplifies the critical and nation-building role of the regional press in uniting the periphery with the mainstream and acting as a check on policy failures.

Mains Question (GS-I/III):

Examine the role of the regional press, with special reference to Prafulla Govinda Baruah’s leadership of The Assam Tribune, in shaping public opinion and contributing to nation-building in Northeast India.

One Line Wrap:

Prafulla Govinda Baruah was an outstanding media personality and institution-builder whose fearless journalism and commitment to the socio-cultural development of Assam made him an enduring pillar of the Northeast.

Source: The Assam Tribune E-paper