SHILLONG: Pronab K Sen (57), a multifaceted personality, who breathed his last on January 18, is remembered as an ambassador of culture and heritage and for his contributions to society.
Sen, hailing from Rilbong, fondly called as Mohan or simply Sir, died after suffering from a chronic heart disease. He had been receiving treatment at NEIGRIHMS for almost a month.
He was associated with many cultural organizations of Shillong like Bangiya Shahitya Parishad, Geetali and Matrisangha. Late Sen was also instrumental in the publication of the Bengali magazine Karmashala and also served as its Chief Editor.
He was known for encouraging the youth to take part in numerous events that he himself organized like Quiz contests and similar events at various schools and colleges. The live telecast of the Rilbong Durga Puja celebration, the first of its kind, was his brainchild.
To encourage young singing talents, he started a reality show which was the first of its kind in Shillong, and which has completed three successful years in the last Durga Puja celebration in 2013.
As a teacher, he had helped some of the less privileged children in Shillong.
An avid photographer, Sen had documented and promoted the beautiful city of Shillong. He was also an actor and performed and directed various drama competitions and events, getting the best director award in an all-Shillong drama competition.
He was a certified cricket coach and conducted training for budding sportsmen.Late Sen played for NEHU and represented Shillong at district-level cricket tournaments. He represented his college in volleyball and also won medals in the All India GSI sports meet.
Late Sen was the only expert in gemstone testing and identification in the entire NE region. His contributions in gem testing, analysis of heavy minerals, petro logical laboratory management, assistance to the Director, Petrology Division and officers of GSI, NER, during their petro graphic studies brought him recognition. He is also known for his lectures in ‘Refresher Course on Petro graphic Techniques’ and ‘Capsule Course in Petro graphic Techniques for Geologist of NE’.
He is survived by his wife and daughter, his mother and two brothers and their families.