Robindra Nath Borooah was born on July 1, 1924, in Guwahati. His father, Jogendra Nath Borooah, was the District Judge of Guwahati.
Education:
Borooah completed his matriculation with distinction from Cotton Collegiate School.
He graduated from Cotton College in 1945.
He pursued postgraduate studies in Kolkata but had to return before completing his degree.
Career in Journalism
Early Beginnings:
Borooah’s entry into journalism started in 1949 when he joined The Assam Tribune as a sub-editor at a salary of Rs 125.
His initial mentor was Lakshmi Nath Phukan, the founder Editor of The Assam
Tribune, from whom he learned the core values of journalism.
Professional Growth:
He rose through the ranks to become the Editor of The Assam Tribune in 1976, succeeding Satis Chandra Kakati.
His tenure at The Assam Tribune lasted for 38 years until his retirement in 1990.
Borooah briefly worked as an Assam Civil Service officer in 1952 but returned to journalism, which he found more fulfilling.
His tenure lasted until 1990, a period marked by significant turmoil in Assam.
Influence and Colleagues:
Borooah was known affectionately as RN Borooah in media circles.
His long career was marked by collaboration with notable colleagues such as Jagannath Thakur, Jogen Choudhury, Naresh Rajkhowa, and others.
The team also included Rebati Mohan Dutta Choudhury, Jitendranath Roychoudhury, and Taraprasad Chakraborty, among others.
Challenges During the Assam Agitation:
The Assam Agitation began in 1979, followed by increasing violence from the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA).
Despite the upheaval, Borooah maintained a stance against sensationalism and violence.
The editorial policy supported the movement in principle but remained committed to the nation’s unity and integrity.
Government Censorship and Personal Risks:
The Assam Tribune faced government-imposed censorship, affecting both the newspaper and its sister publication, Dainik Asam.
The paper criticized ULFA’s violent actions, reinforcing Assam’s place within India.
Borooah refused security despite threats to his life, demonstrating his commitment to journalistic integrity.
Faced with harassment, including police visits and arrest threats, he was protected by anticipatory bail arranged by the management.
Contributions and Associations
Journalistic Contributions:
Regular columnist for Assamese fortnightly Prantik and humorous writer for Natun Asomiya.
Published poems and short stories in Jayanti and Awahan.
Worked as a correspondent for The Hindu (1956-76) and Sports and Pastimes (1946-51).
Public Service and Associations:
Active in the 150 Years of Newspapers in Assam and RG Baruah Centenary Celebration Committees.
Associated with the Bhoreli Anglers' Association and served as the board president and management council member at B Borooah Cancer Institute.
First donor to the B Borooah Cancer Institute, contributing Rs 5,000.
Received the Assam government Literacy Pension in 1991.
Legacy and Honors: Two journalism awards in memory of RN Borooah and his wife Protiva Borooah have been established by his family.
RN Borooah’s tenure as Editor of The Assam Tribune was marked by his unwavering dedication to journalistic principles amidst a period of significant political and social upheaval. His contributions to journalism and public service continue to be remembered and honored.
