HT Correspondent
SIVASAGAR, Jan 6: Nonagenarian social worker, Satradhikar of Ujjanial Satra and an inspiration to the entrepreneurs of Assam, Lakhikanta Mahanta, who set up the North East’s first sports goods production unit Industrial Art in Sivasagar, passed away last evening at AMC Dibrugarh hospital. He was 94.
Mahanta, a teacher-turned-entrepreneur, produced quality footballs under the brand “Asom Gaurov”, badminton shuttles and other sports goods from his factory set up in 1958.
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The Indian Football Association had recognised Asom Gaurov footballs as being of very good quality for use in first-class matches.
These footballs were regularly used in tournaments such as the ITPA and Independence Cup.
For his relentless service to society, he was honoured with the ‘Satra Ratna’ title by the Asom Satra Mahasabha and was felicitated by the Sivasagar Jila Sahitya Sabha as well as by the people of Sivasagar on various occasions.
Mahanta’s body was taken to his brainchild, Industrial Art, this morning where floral tributes were paid by numerous individuals and organisations, including the Senior Citizens Forum, Satra Mahasabha, Sivasagar District Sports Association, Sivasagar Jila Sahitya Sabha, Sivasagar Press Club, Brihattar Sivasagar Press Club, Sivasagar Commerce College, Gargaon College and Barowari Puja Samity.
Lakhikanta Mahanta’s last rites were performed at Took Ujjanial Satra in the afternoon. He is survived by five sons and their families. His wife predeceased him.
