Silchar: Former Union Minister, eminent educationist, and one of Northeast India’s senior political leaders, Kabindra Purkayastha, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, at the age of around 95. His demise has cast a pall of grief across Assam, the entire Northeast, and the country’s political circles.

Kabindra Purkayastha was born on December 15, 1931, in Kamarkhal village of the then Sylhet district. His father was Kalipada Purkayastha and his mother was Sarbamongala Devi. Following the Partition in 1947, the family took shelter at Durganagar in Udharbond, in Cachar district. He later settled in Silchar with his family.

Widely respected as an educationist, he also had a long and influential political career. He was elected Member of Parliament from Silchar three times and served in the Union Council of Ministers. Ideologically, he had been associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh since 1950, and was regarded as one of the senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Assam.

His son, Kanad Purkayastha, is currently a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament from Assam.

With the passing of Kabindra Purkayastha, a long chapter comes to a close. His contributions and legacy will be remembered for a long time in the political and social life of Northeast India. Prayers have been offered for the peace of his soul.

Promotional | North East Integration Rally