By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The mortal remains of JN Bawri, a noted industrialist of Meghalaya, were consigned to flames at the Marwari cremation ground at Barpathar (Mawbah) on Thursday.
Hundreds of people took part in the funeral procession which started at around 3pm from Bawri’s Oxford Hill residence.
Bawri passed away on Wednesday at the age of 92.
Governor Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary led the State in condoling the death of the philanthropist, who had claimed that he had driven the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose ‘s car in the capital city during his visit to Meghalaya.
Former MP Dr BB Dutta said, “I am lucky to get his support be it in politics or in building the Sri Aurobindo Institute of Indian Culture where he was one of the trustees. He was an ‘unusually intelligent man’ and he displayed an unusual courage, he said
Naba Bhattacharjee, president of Azad Hind Volunteers (Meghalaya chapter) and Greater Shillong Netaji Birthday Celebration Committee said Bawri was closely associated with both the organizations. Bhattacharjee informed that both the organizations held a condolence meeting jointly on Thursday.
“He was among the few surviving companion of Netaji during his visits to Shillong. Bawri was actively involved in organizing the Yatra by Azad Hind Volunteers from Mairang to New Delhi via Shillong in August – September 2008,” Bhattacharjee said.
Former bureaucrat and social activist Toki Blah said he brought a lot of trust with his eye hospital “Bawri Nethralaya”. “I would like to remember him for this,” Blah said.
Swami Achyutes-hanandaji Maharaj, Secretary, RK Mission said, “It was a great loss. He was a multifaceted personality and was youthful even in his old age.”