The former president of the SBI Officers Association (North Eastern Circle) Pulin Sarmah passed away recently.

He was suffering from cancer and was struggling with the disease for quite some time.

Commenting on Sarmah’s demise on Sunday night, Rupam Roy, general secretary of SBIOA (NE Circle) stated, “A real fighter, who fought many a battle for his fellow colleagues, ultimately had to succumb to the deadly disease, and a long and illustrious journey thereby came to a total halt leaving us bewildered, with many unforgettable memories that he left behind.”

Joining the State Bank of India (SBI) in 1969, Sarmah reported at the bank’s Jorhat branch as his first assignment.

He was closely associated with the staff association in his earlier days before being promoted as an officer.

He also served as the central committee member of SBISA (Bengal Circle) before his promotion.

After being promoted to the supervisory cadre, he got himself actively involved with the Circle Officers’ Association.

He was also one of those, who were at the forefront and played a crucial role, which ultimately paved the way in the formation of the SBI North Eastern Circle Head Office in Guwahati.

In the wake of the formation of the circle, Sarmah had been elected as the DGS (HQ) before being elected as the president of SBIOA (NE Circle) in 1983, and continued in the same post till 1989.

His contribution to the strengthening of the SBI Circle Officers’ Association has been magnificent in the formative years of the circle.

As far as his career in the bank is concerned, he had rendered his services in various positions such as branch head at branches like Khonsa, HPC Jagiroad; as an associate officer in the public relations department at LHO, Guwahati; chief manager (GB) in Region-I, Guwahati; and chief manager (Lead Bank) at Itanagar.

He retired from the bank’s service in December 2006.

Hailing from Kalugaon in Sivasagar, and grown up in Shillong, he was very popular in the society for his helping attitude.

He dedicated his entire life for more than three decades towards the cause of bankers’ fraternity.

Sarmah also upheld the cause of the joint movement of workmen and officers in the banking industry in the Northeastern region.

He was a good orator and associated with various social welfare activities.

His body was cremated on Monday at Nabagraha Crematorium in Guwahati in the presence of many erstwhile and present-day trade union leaders, bankers along with his family and friends.

He has left behind his wife, daughter and a son, who are also established in their respective fields.