Octogenarian Akanmai Devi (Mahanta), a retired BDO, writer, and noted social and cultural activist of the Milanpur area in Nagaon, passed away on Tuesday night at her residence due to age-related ailments. She was 82.
Born in 1942 at Batadroba Shoulguri Satra in Nagaon district, she began her career as a district women welfare officer in Jorhat in 1976 and served in various capacities. She retired from her position as a block development officer of Pub Kaliabor Development Block in 2000. Unfortunately, despite her retirement, she did not receive any benefits such as pension or gratuity from the government to date due to some issues with her service book.
Akanmai Devi (Mahanta) was actively associated with several socio-cultural and literary organisations until her passing.
She is survived by two sons, daughters-in-law, and a host of relatives.
Several organisations and dignitaries of the small town expressed grief over her demise and paid tributes to her.
Akanmai Devi (Mahanta) was the mother of senior police official and noted Assamese novelist cum storyteller SP Mugdhajyoti Mahanta and social activist and businessman Minku Mahanta.