Hemendra Prasad Barooah

Hemendra Prasad Barooah (April 1, 1926 – July 31, 2013), was an Indian entrepreneur, tea planter and philanthropist known for his contributions to Assam tea and tourism industries. He was honoured by the Government of India, in 2013, that bestowed on him the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award, for his contributions to the fields of trade and industry.

Biography

Hemendra Prasad Barooah was born on April 1, 1926 in Jalukonibari, (a village near Jorhat), in the Northeast Indian state of Assam, to Shiva Prasad Barooah and Kamal Kumari Barooah, He came from Khongiya Barooah family, a rich Assamese family that was already in tea plantation business established by Bisturam Barooah, a rich planter who started his business during a period when the Britishers were controlling the tea industry in Assam.

Hemen Barooah was known for his efforts to counter the threats of United Liberation Front of Assam, an Assam separatist group banned as a terrorist outfit by the Government of India, which, at times, resorted to violent attacks. He was a known art collector

On 26 January 2013, the Government of India announced the award of Padma Shri to Hemendra Prasad Barooah, honouring him for his services to the Trade and Industry of India. His wife and only son, Amit Barooah, having preceded him, he was survived by his oldest daughter and her family as well as his late son's daughter, Shey Naima Barooah. The ITA Centre, at Machkhowa, reportedly built by him, is also another contribution credited to him. He was also a member of the Tea Board during the period 1963–1973. He was also the chairman of the Eastern chapter of the State Bank of India, the Director of Indian Airlines Corporation, member of the Central Advisory Council for Industrial Development, New Delhi and the chairman of the Tea Research Association.

Awards and recognitions Apart from the Padma Shri, he has received many other awards and titles.

Lifetime Achievement award - North Eastern Tea Association - 2007 Tea Doyen - North Eastern Tea Association - 2007 Assam Title - Confederation of Indian Industry - 2010 National Achiever Award - K. C. Das Commerce College - 2010 Kamala Saikia Memorial Trust Award - 2012

He was felicitated by the Tea Research Association in 2011 and by the Assam Cultural Trust in 2012. In 2007, Assam Cultural University conferred on him a doctorate (Honoris Causa).