Guwahati, Dec 15: Assam’s media fraternity was plunged into deep mourning on Sunday night with the demise of veteran journalist, Padma Shri awardee and Managing Director of The Assam Tribune Group, Prafulla Govinda Baruah. He passed away at Apollo Hospital in Guwahati at around 9.40 pm. He was 94.
Baruah had been battling age-related ailments for nearly a week. As news of his death spread, tributes poured in from across the country, reflecting the profound impact he had on journalism and public life in Assam and beyond.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over Baruah’s passing, saying he would be remembered for his contribution to the media world and for his passion for Assam’s progress and the promotion of the state’s culture. “My thoughts are with his family and admirers. Om Shanti,” the Prime Minister said.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma also condoled the demise, describing Baruah as “a towering figure in Indian journalism” and a steadfast champion of the progress and welfare of Assam and its people. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones.
Deeply saddened by the demise of Padmashree Shri P. G. Baruah, Editor of the Assam Tribune Group. A towering figure in Indian journalism, he was a steadfast champion of the progress and welfare of Assam and its people. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May… pic.twitter.com/tmZShEsujg
— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) December 15, 2025
Born on July 26, 1932, in Dibrugarh, Prafulla Govinda Baruah devoted his life to nurturing and strengthening the foundations of print journalism in the Northeast. Carrying forward the legacy of his father, Radha Govinda Baruah, the pioneering founder of The Assam Tribune, he ensured that the newspaper remained a credible, independent and principled voice in public discourse.
Under his stewardship, The Assam Tribune evolved with the times while steadfastly upholding the values of truth, integrity and public service, earning the trust of generations of readers.
In recognition of his immense contribution to journalism, education and literature, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri in 2018. Earlier this year, on February 3, Krishna Kanta Handique State Open University conferred an honorary doctorate on Baruah during its third convocation ceremony, acknowledging his lifelong commitment to journalism and his role in shaping informed public opinion.
With the passing of Prafulla Govinda Baruah, Assam has lost not just a veteran journalist, but a steadfast custodian of its media legacy, whose influence will continue to shape the state’s journalistic ethos for generations to come.
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