HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Aug 18: The educational fraternity mourns the loss of Deven Dutta, a prominent educationist and former Vice Principal of the erstwhile Cotton College (now University), who breathed his last at the age of 81 while undergoing treatment at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) on Friday.
An eminent social worker and consumer rights activist, Dutta departed at approximately 12:10 am last night at GMCH. Preliminary reports indicate that he was battling heart, kidney, and lung-related ailments.
Admitted to GMCH on August 11, Deben Dutta had been receiving medical care for his ailments.
Hailing from Nazira in Sivasagar, he was born on April 5, 1944. Deben Dutta was a resident of Sundarpur area in Guwahati. He pursued his post-graduation in English in 1965 and embarked on his academic journey as a professor of English at Cotton College.
His dedication to education was recognized in 2001 when he was promoted to the esteemed position of Vice Principal of Cotton College. His tenure extended until 2002 when he retired, paving the way for his pursuits as a consumer rights activist.
The final rites of this esteemed educationist were conducted at Nabagraha crematorium, as reported.
Deven Dutta’s legacy in education and advocacy will undoubtedly be remembered and celebrated by the community he served and influenced.
CONDOLENCES: Meanwhile, Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma have condoled the death of Deven Dutta.
“I am deeply saddened by the demise of Deven Dutta. He was par excellence as an academician and contributed greatly to the growth of education in Assam. He tried to stimulate the young minds of his students for intellectual purposes and also guided them in leading a virtuous life. His departure is a great loss to the state and country,” said Kataria in his condolence message.
Offering his condolences, the chief minister said, “I am saddened at the passing away of eminent educationist and professor Shri Deven Dutta. He made immense contributions to the development of language and literature during his lifetime.”
“His demise has created a void in the state’s socio-academic life, which will be difficult to fill. The rich legacy he left behind will continue to inspire us all for posterity,” he said.
