STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI, July 25: Former Axom Xatra Mahaxabha (AXM) president Bhadra Krishna Deva Goswami passed away at the age of 86. Suffering from old-age ailments he breathed his last at a private nursing home in Guwahati around 6 am on Wednesday.
Born at Charing Jakai Xatra in Sivasagar district in 1933, he became a member of the Xatra Sangha in 1964. Despite joining IOC AOD after his studies, he continued his active association with Xatras. He was also the Xatradhikar of Jakai Xatra.
Bhadra Krishna Deva Goswami became AXM president in 2002 and later became its chief adviser. His last rites were performed with full state honors at Nabagraha crematorium, Guwahati.
Deva Goswami was the founder president of Tinsukia District Journalists’ Association (1979-82 and 1988-90), besides being former secretaries of Lakhimpur District Journalists’ Association (1967-70) and Dibrugarh District Journalists’ Association (1970-78). He was also a correspondent of Dainik Janambhumi (1972-91), The Sentinel (1982-90), Saptahik Nilachal and Saptahik Janambhumi. During the 150th celebration of newspapers in Assam, he edited a book – Sangbadikor Jibon Parichiti.
Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said in a condolence message that the great soul’s effort to share the religious and cultural message of Srimanta Sankardev with utmost dedication and sincerity to the social fabrics of the State will always be remembered. “In his lifetime, he tried to create an atmosphere to reverberate the Xatria culture, besides igniting the minds of the next generation with the spiritual and cultural philosophy of life,” Sonowal said in a message. The Chief Minister also prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and extended solidarity to the bereaved family members.
On the other hand, Industries and Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary said, “As an exponent of the rich Xatriya heritage, Bhadra Krishna Goswami worked relentlessly for Xatriya culture, literature and values and strengthened the Mahaxabha to carry on its enlightened legacy.
“Goswami’s immense contribution to the socio-cultural life of the State will be ever remembered by posterity,” the minister added. Patowary offered his condolences to members of the bereaved family and prayed to God for the eternal peace of the departed soul.
In a message, AASU’s chief advisor Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharya, president Dipanka Kumar Nath and general secretary Lurinjyoti Gogoi said that the Xatradhikar’s demise is an irreparable loss to Assam. A team of the AASU led by its vice president Bipul Rabha paid tribute to the great soul at Navagraha crematorium.