A prolific social worker Ganardan Pathak died this week, in his native town of Bokajan due to an age-related infirmity. The family said Pathak died at 9.30 PM in his own residence. He has left behind his wife, five sons, five daughters and many grand Children.
Ganardan Pathak’s death has been widely mourned by individuals and organizations. Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council ordered a one day local holiday of all government offices under its administrative control as a mark of respect for the departed leader. The KAAC secretariat suspended all functions after declaration of the holiday. His relatives and aficionados thronged his house to pay their last reverence after the news of his death. Pathak’s mortal remains will be cremated at the local crematorium.
“Ganardan Pathak gave up the best time of his life for the betterment of the people of Karbi Anglong, he was like a ray of hope for our people when they were victims of ignorance and social odds. In his demise we have lost not only a pathfinder but a friend and custodian of Karbi Anglong,” Tuliram Ronghang Chief Executive Member of KAAC said while commenting on the death of Pathak.
Sri Janardan Pathak was born in 1921 and passed high school at Tihu in Barpata district. He finished his intermediate from Balwant Rajput College of Agra in 1943 and completed his graduation in Commerce stream from GRL College of Wordha. During his college days in Wordha he came close to Gandhi and became a frequent visitor of Sebagram asylum of Gandhi.
Pathak after returning to Assam dedicated himself to the national liberation movement and an ardent follower of Gandhi. On the instruction of the Father of the Nation, he established a Leprosy eradication centre in the Silonijan locality of Karbi Anglong district. In his later years, he established numerous educational centres through meticulous effort. His contribution towards elimination of social evils like alcohol, banning drugs, prostitution etc is enormous.
