An ancient poet expressed the nature of intellect and the essence of life in these words:
Taravo’pi hi jivanti jivanti mrigapakshinah,
Sa jivati mano yasya mananena na jivati.
The verse suggests that trees live, so do animals and birds; but mere existence does not constitute life in its truest sense. One is truly alive when one’s mind remains active through thought and reflection. In this sense, Singhapurush Radha Govinda Baruah (1900-77) continues to live through his ideas and contributions.
A question naturally arises: what inspired Baruah – an aspiration for fame or a desire to achieve greatness? Was he guided by a modern outlook and a universal vision? The remarkable range of his activities suggests that he possessed exceptional vision and a deep commitment to the intellectual awakening and cultural renaissance of Assam and the Assamese people.
Baruah made an enduring contribution to Assamese journalism through the publication of several newspapers from the Tribune Press: The Assam Tribune (August 4, 1939), Asam Bani (July 1, 1955) and Dainik Asam (August 4, 1965). Under his initiative and leadership, modern printing technologies, including Linotype and Monotype machines, rotary printing technology and block-making equipment, strengthened the newspaper industry in Assam. His enterprise and determination transformed the Tribune Press into an important institution of regional journalism.
At the golden jubilee celebration of The Assam Tribune in New Delhi on September 18, 1989, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi observed, “The nation owes a debt of gratitude to The Assam Tribune for helping to save a part of the country from being separated.” This recognition highlighted the newspaper’s role under Baruah’s leadership in opposing the Grouping proposal, whose consequences threatened Assam and the Northeast.
Baruah’s achievements extended far beyond journalism. In sports, he displayed remarkable courage and determination. Despite the doubts of others, he invited Dara Singh to Guwahati for a freestyle wrestling event, accepting personal responsibility for any financial loss. The event proved successful, generating profits that helped to finance a larger sports complex and stadium. He also pioneered banking initiatives in Assam, founded the Assam Flying Club, established the Rifle Shooting Club and promoted marathon races and the Assam Olympic Sports Association.
His sporting philosophy reflected fairness and integrity: “It is better to lose while playing well than to win by playing badly.” He remained largely free from petty politics and conventional power games, concentrating mainly on the responsibilities and dignity of the positions he held.
His personal courage was equally remarkable. Despite living with a permanently disabled right leg from 1962, Baruah continued to fulfil his public responsibilities with determination. Overcoming significant physical limitations, he contested the Guwahati Municipal Corporation election, won and became the city’s first Mayor, serving from 1975 to 1976. His life demonstrated that physical adversity need not diminish public commitment or personal resolve.
Baruah was also a cultural visionary who sought to preserve tradition while welcoming change. He brought Rongali Bihu from open fields to organised cultural stages, promoting its celebration through exhibitions, sporting events and cultural programmes. His conviction was clear: “Culture cannot be the exclusive property of anyone. Cultural exchange enhances the richness of one’s own culture and adds to its dignity.”
This inclusive outlook found expression in his forceful advocacy of mixed-gender acting in Dibrugarh, a significant episode in Assam’s cultural transformation. He believed that a living culture must remain receptive to new ideas and forms of expression without losing its distinctive identity. For him, cultural preservation did not mean resisting change; rather, it required the confidence to engage with change while retaining one’s heritage.
Baruah’s philosophy of life emphasised action, dignity and purposeful engagement. He expressed this conviction in the following words:
“It cannot be the intention of God, who resides in the body as the soul, to diminish the dignity of that body. Life, therefore, cannot be an act of renunciation.”
This statement reflects his belief that life is meant for meaningful participation in the world rather than withdrawal from its responsibilities. Strong as a thunderbolt yet tender as a flower, Baruah combined resilience with sensitivity and determination with compassion. Dr Bhupen Hazarika captured his enduring spirit in the memorable observation: “Radha Govinda cannot die.”
Yet, it remains regrettable that a comprehensive, objective and systematic assessment of the different dimensions of Baruah’s life and work is still needed. As a pioneering journalist, innovator, sports organiser, cultural reformer and public figure, he left an extraordinary legacy that deserves deeper historical examination. A systematic study of his achievements, ideals and the circumstances in which he worked would enable future generations to understand his contributions more fully. It would also place his initiatives within the wider history of Assam’s social, cultural and intellectual development.
Recognising and interpreting Baruah’s legacy is, therefore, more than an exercise in remembering an exceptional individual. It is an opportunity to enrich our collective historical consciousness, preserve our cultural heritage and understand how visionary individuals can shape the destiny of a society. From seemingly small initiatives to achievements of lasting significance, Baruah’s life exemplifies the power of thought translated into action.
Written by Hiranya Kumar Barman
(Published on the occasion of RG Baruah’s birth anniversary)