Guwahati, Aug 18: Eminent social worker, educationist and consumer rights activist Deven Dutta breathed his last at Guwahati Medical College Hospital (GMCH) around Thursday midnight.
A former vice-principal of Cotton College (now Cotton University), Dutta (81) passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was undergoing treatment at GMCH since August 11.
Born at Nazira in Upper Assam’s Sivasagar district, Dutta was a resident of Sundarpur here. He completed his post-graduation in English from Ramjas College, New Delhi in 1965 before starting his career as a professor in the English department of Cotton College.
Dutta’s last rites were performed at the Navagraha crematorium on Friday afternoon.
Meanwhile, GMCH authorities have constituted a committee to inquire into the alleged delay in providing blood from the blood bank of the hospital to Dutta. The allegation was reportedly made by the caretaker of Dutta.
An office order of GMCH stated that a three-member committee has been constituted to inquire into the alleged delay in providing blood from the blood bank to Dutta, as reported in a section of the media.
The committee comprises Ajanta Sarma, professor and head of department of microbiology, GMCH; Usha Sarma, professor of pathology, GMCH, and Ujjal Kumar Sarma, deputy superintendent, GMCH.
The committee will submit its report by Friday itself for remedial action, informed A.C Baishya, principal-cum-chief superintendent, GMCH.
Parties and organisations, meanwhile, condoled the demise of the academician and consumer rights activist.
“The loss of Deven Dutta is a big void for our society and Assam. His demise is an irremediable loss to our state. He was a towering figure in the field of social justice who contributed largely to the wellbeing of people belonging to all sectors of life,” Assam PCC president Bhupen Kumar Borah stated in a condolence message.
Borah further expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members, while stating that the contributions of Dutta will be respectfully remembered by the people of Assam forever.
“Eminent educationist and social worker Prof. Deven Dutta contributed immensely towards Assam’s educational landscape and we shall forever cherish his invaluable guidance and contribution. I am deeply saddened to learn about the demise of Prof. Dutta and offer my sincere condolences to bereaved family members and well-wishers,” chief executive member of Bodoland Territorial Council Pramod Boro said in his condolence message.