A Tribute To Pankaj Hazarika

Pankaj Hazarika, who breathed his last on 14th July, had only retired last year as Additional Director of Industries and Commerce, Govt. of Assam.

He passed his HSLC Exam from Cotton Collegiate HS School, attended St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and earned his B.Com. Degree from Gauhati Commerce College.

He began his service in government as Assistant Director of Industries and Commerce in 1987. He was the younger son of the late Bhadreswar Hazarika (IAS) and the late Dr Annie Hazarika, Language Officer and brother of Chandan Hazarika.

He was a dear cousin, and I had the opportunity to watch from close quarters the sterling qualities of his head and heart. He was intelligent, charming, generous and practical, to name only a few of his striking qualities.

He had a way with words, and conversation with him was never dull for a moment. He had a remarkable ability to connect with people, and in his lifetime struck many lasting friendships. That he was always immaculately dressed added to his appeal.

He was dynamic and enterprising and even set up a business in public transport before joining Govt. service. Mountains appealed to him in a spiritual way, and he went on several trekking trips to the Himalayas.

Recently, he undertook a trip to the Sunderbans, which in itself was a sheer act of willpower, given his indifferent health and a debilitating injury to the leg that he had sustained years ago following a serious road accident.

He was a loving husband to Lakshmi Bou and a doting father to his two lovely daughters. At a time when he was terminally ill and only about a month before he passed away, he made a long journey by road to collect a bunch of premium Tezpur litchis for his daughters. I am personally left short of words to express how much I will miss him.

Today, on the day of his Adyashraddha, I pray to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to his departed soul.

~~~~~~PRIYANKAR DUTTA ( Ranji )

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