Late Prof Dilip Kr Barua was, and will always be, in our hearts. His departure from this world creates a vacuum which can never be replaced and is an irreparable loss indeed, but the works he did, a generation he nurtured, will take his legacy forward.
It was a very hot day in Guwahati on April 27 and people were tired and sweating all over. The sun was very bright. But the morning next day, on April 28, it was cloudy yet again. Mother Nature wept, showering a few drops, as Prof Dilip Kr Barua was on his eternal journey.
The news saddened all his students and friends and all the people who knew him. A great teacher, and an eminent economist, the ‘Grand Daddy’ of Northeast quizzing, and a great human being, left us forever.
Born in Sipajhar in the Darrang district of Assam, to Satyanath Barua and Swarnalata Barua, Prof Barua completed his matriculation in 1957 and later joined St. Anthony’s College, Shillong. After having obtained his intermediate arts degree, Prof Barua pursued his Bachelor’s in Economics from Cotton College, followed by a Master’s degree from Delhi University. He later joined Cotton College as a faculty member of the Department of Economics in November 1966 and taught all the way till 1989. He later joined Administrative Staff College in Khanapara, as its joint director.
In 1992, he rejoined Cotton College and in 2000 Prof Dilip Kr Barua took over as the principal of the college and finally retired as Principal of Halflong College in 2001.
After his retirement, Prof Dilip Kr Barua served as a guest faculty in the department of Economics in Gauhati University till 2009. He was also a member of the 2nd Assam State Finance Commission and state level study group of administrative reforms.
Apart from being a wonderful teacher, Prof Dilip Kr Barua had another feather to his cap. He can be called the ‘Grand Daddy’ of quizzing in the Northeast.
In 1967, he conducted a quiz in Cotton College, Guwahati and that was the starting of quizzing in the Northeast India. Doordarshan Kendra Guwahati in 1985 invited Prof Dilip Kr Barua and started a quiz show which gained much popularity marking the start of quiz shows on television.
In his lifetime he blessed many debate competitions and debaters as well.
Prof Barua also has many writings on economics to his credit. Among those, the text book for higher secondary is worth mentioning. This book made economics much easier for students and developed interest of many students towards the subject. This can also be termed as “the best” text book in Assam, which introduces economics.
Few people come to this world and leave their mark and Prof Barua was one of them. He not only imparted knowledge but created best students which contributed much to the growth of the nation. No one should have any reservation in stating that he was a father-like image for not only his students but any who came closer to him.
He will always remain as a source of inspiration for generations to come.
We love you sir and you will always remain in our hearts.
