Assam’s prominent educationist and former dean of faculty of arts at Gauhati University, Prof Niru Hazarika passed away at 3.45 am on Sunday in Guwahati.
The former professor of Political Science at Gauhati University died at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) due to Covid19 infection.
She was 73.
Prof Niru Hazarika was suffering from illness for the last several months.
In December last year, she had a stroke and was admitted to the Down Town Hospital in the city.
After recovery, she again suffered from back pain in July this year after a fall.
She gradually recovered after a successful operation at Down Town Hospital. But after returning her home in the Down Town area, she tested positive for Covid19.
She was admitted to GMCH on July 21, 2021 and succumbed to Covid19 infection in the wee hours on Sunday.
Prof Hazarika, who served as the dean of faculty of arts at Gauhati University, was also a member of ICSSR, New Delhi.
She served as the professor of the political science department at Gauhati University for around three decades and retired from the university.
Niru Hazarika did her MA from Gauhati University.
She was the first woman from Northeast India, who was awarded D.Litt.
More than 70 people did Ph.D under her guidance.
Prof Hazarika was able to establish herself as a specialist in the public administration of the Northeast, government, politics and human rights.
She penned a number of books. Her important books include “Public Service Commission of India”, “Ethnic Autonomy in Northeast India: A Search for an Answer”, “Insurgency and Beyond” and “A Century of Civil Service in Northeast India”.
Prof Hazarika participated in a number of educational conferences of international level in America, England, France, the Netherlands and Spain.
A number of her research papers have been published in various national and international journals.
Dr Niru Hazarika was also involved in the political field of Assam during the time of former Assam chief ministers Sarat Ch. Sinha and Hiteswar Saikia.
During the tenure of Hiteswar Saikia, Dr Niru Hazarika was appointed as the political adviser of the state government and was given Cabinet status.
The demise of Prof Hazarika has been mourned by leaders, her students and well-wishers.
Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has also mourned the demise of Prof Hazarika.
“Deeply saddened by the passing away of one of my revered teachers Dr Niru Hazarika. A prominent academician and the first lady from NE to have been awarded D Litt, she authored several books and contributed to Political Science immensely. My condolences to the bereaved family,” Sarma tweeted.
Deeply saddened by the passing away of one of my revered teachers Dr Niru Hazarika. A prominent academician and the first lady from NE to have been awarded D Litt, she authored several books and contributed to Political Science immensely.
My condolences to the bereaved family? pic.twitter.com/fyZ9Kxw6rq— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 25, 2021
Assam health minister Keshab Mahanta, who paid tribute to Prof Hazarika at the cremation ground, tweeted: “Deeply mourn the demise of distinguished academician Dr. Niru Hazarika, who provided guidance to me from my University days to social & political life. Paid floral tributes to her mortal remains today. My condolences to the bereaved family. May her soul rest in peace”
Deeply mourn the demise of distinguished academician Dr. Niru Hazarika, who provided guidance to me from my University days to social & political life. Paid floral tributes to her mortal remains today. My condolences to the bereaved family. May her soul rest in peace. ? pic.twitter.com/wnGEMyTOz2
— Keshab Mahanta (@keshab_mahanta) July 25, 2021