Renowned Assamese journalist and writer Pradip Baruah, the founding editor of the widely respected magazine Prantik, passed away on Wednesday evening in Guwahati. He was 87.
According to family members, Baruah had been undergoing treatment at Down Town Hospital for the past 12 days. He suffered a cardiac arrest and breathed his last at 7.27 pm on Wednesday. His mortal remains will be taken to his residence on Thursday morning at around 8.30 am, following which the last rites will be performed at Navagraha Crematorium at around 11 am.
Born on September 3, 1938, in Dibrugarh, Pradip Baruah received his schooling at Don Bosco School in Guwahati. He later graduated from the erstwhile Cotton College, which shaped his early intellectual and literary journey. 
Baruah was closely associated with Prantik from its inception in 1981 and served as its editor for over four decades. Under his leadership, the fortnightly Assamese magazine published from Guwahati became a respected platform for literature, culture, politics, and social commentary. Known for his independent thinking, Baruah believed strongly in editorial freedom and journalistic integrity.
Speaking to the media after his demise, his daughter said her father had been hospitalised on December 29. “Father was always independent. He never wanted to work under anyone. For him, Prantik was like his child. We will do everything to keep it alive. Prantik will always keep shining under this Assam sky,” she said.
A veteran voice in Assamese journalism, Baruah remained active even in his later years. He was a distinguished guest at Asomiya Pratidin’s ‘Nirbasan Nirikhan’ election analysis series ahead of the 2024 general elections, where he shared his views on politics and democracy.
Pradip Baruah was the younger son of Radha Govinda Baruah. He is survived by his wife, daughter, son-in-law, and three granddaughters. His death comes just days after the passing of his elder brother, Prafulla Govinda Baruah.
