Prafulla Govinda Baruah, one of Assam’s most respected journalists and the long-time Chairman of The Assam Tribune Group, passed away on Sunday night at the age of 93. He breathed his last at around 9.30 pm on Sunday at a private hospital in Guwahati, where he had been undergoing treatment for age-related ailments for the past few days, family sources said.
Baruah’s death marks the end of an era in Assam’s journalistic history. Widely regarded as the doyen of journalism in the state, he played a key role in shaping responsible, balanced and principled reporting in the Northeast over several decades. He is survived by his wife and two daughters. His last rites are expected to be performed in Guwahati on Monday.
Born in 1932 in Dibrugarh, Prafulla Govinda Baruah was closely associated with The Assam Tribune, North East India’s oldest English daily. The newspaper was founded in 1939 by his father, Radha Govinda Baruah, a pioneering figure in Assam’s media and public life. Over the years, the newspaper grew into one of the most trusted and influential publications in the region, and Prafulla Govinda Baruah played a central role in carrying forward that legacy. 
As Chairman of The Assam Tribune Group, Baruah guided the institution through changing times in journalism, including political transitions, social movements and the rapid evolution of media technology. Despite these changes, the newspaper under his leadership continued to emphasise factual reporting, editorial independence and ethical journalism. Many journalists in Assam and the Northeast consider The Assam Tribune a training ground that shaped their professional values.
Baruah was known for his calm presence, quiet authority and deep understanding of public issues. Unlike many public figures, he preferred to remain away from the limelight, allowing the work of the newspaper to speak for itself. Colleagues and associates often described him as a person who believed strongly in the role of the press as a public service rather than a commercial enterprise.
In recognition of his contribution to journalism and public life, Prafulla Govinda Baruah was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honours. The award acknowledged not only his work in journalism but also his contributions to literature, education and social causes. Throughout his life, he remained connected to academic and cultural institutions and supported initiatives that promoted learning and critical thinking.
Following the news of his death, condolences poured in from across Assam and beyond. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed deep sorrow over Baruah’s demise. In a message posted on social media, the Chief Minister described him as a towering figure in Assam’s journalistic landscape. Sarma said Baruah’s lifelong commitment to principled journalism had left a lasting impact on the state and praised his contributions to literature, education and public life.
Several journalists, editors, writers and public figures also remembered Baruah as a mentor and guide. Many recalled his emphasis on accuracy, restraint and fairness in reporting, especially during sensitive periods in Assam’s history. For younger journalists, he was seen as someone who upheld high standards without imposing his views, allowing editorial freedom to flourish.
For the people of Assam, Prafulla Govinda Baruah was more than a media owner or editor. Through The Assam Tribune, his influence reached homes across generations, shaping public opinion and providing reliable information during important moments in the state’s history. His death leaves a void that will be difficult to fill.
