Death is the ultimate reality of life. Witnessing death since the dawn of creation, man has realized that death comes hand in hand along with birth. This truth is deeply felt when someone dear to our heart dies suddenly and unexpectedly. The news of such a death is so shocking that it makes one speechless.�like a night mare, we only retain the memories of the deceased. The death of Nirupama Baruah was a sad incident that sent shock waves to her friends and relatives.

Nirupama Baruah, familiar name in the social life of Jorhat, was born on 8^th June, 1929, at Batbari, near Sibsagar Town. Daughter of Adhar Kakati and Annada Kakati, Nirupama began her early education at Margherita, since her father was working there. She passed the matriculation examination from Phuleswari Girls� High Schools, Sibsagar, in 1946, and passed in the first division. She got herself admitted to the Handique Girls� College, Guwahati, from which she passed intermediate Examination in Arts. She entered into wedlock with Devaprasad Baruah, son of Devicharan Baruah, a prominent tea planter of Assam. Marriage did not prevent her from pursuing higher education. She took her B.A. degree in 1950 from J.B. College, Jorhat

Since her school days Nirupama developed an interest in literature. While she was reading at school, she wrote an article based on history- "Deo Rajar Maidam" for which she received applause from an eminent historian like Benudhar Sarmah. Her father and her husband were equally interested in literature and encouraged Nirupama to be writer. She found the atmosphere necessary for literary pursuit in her husband�s house and the result was quite a good number of writings that came out from the pen of Nirupama Baruah.

Nirupama Baruah was a duel personality- a social worker and a writer. One particular branch of literature that Nirupama was highly interested was children�s literature. As a social activist Nirupama could observe children from very close quarters. She knew child psychology and wrote several story books suitable for children. No wonder that most people know Nirupama Baruah as a writer of children�s books.

Besides children�s literature, she had to her credit a number of articles, short stories, Radio plays, one Act and full length plays. Some of the plays like Toura Sabhar Sabhapati� (Chairman of Municipal Board), �Saj�ar Pakhi� (A caged Bird), �Mahila Niwas� (Women�s Hostel) were successful on the stage and were well received by the theatre goers. Her Radio plays, broadcast by Akashvani from Guwahati and Dibrugarh earned popularity among the listeners. Nirupama Baruah was successful as a translator also. Two of her translated books- �Summer time Contract and A story about Tea � were published by the National Book Trust. Nirupama always desired to share the taste of good literature with others. Whenever she came across a good piece of writing in English, she translated it into Assamese so that readers having no knowledge of English can read them.

Not only did she write plays, but also acted in certain plays and proved her proficiency in acting as well. Once in a competition of one Act plays, she was adjudged the best Actress. Her only novel and a travelogue "Anya Desh Anya Manuh" (Different Countries, Different People) were published posthumously.

Associated with several Social Organizations till her death, Nirupama derived her inspiration from her husband Deva Prasad Baruah. Politically he was inclined to socialism, but he was essentially interested in the study of literature. Deva Prasad Baruah and Nirupama Baruah played host to some eminent guests. They included Dr. Dindayal Upadhaya, Swami Bhamanadaji, poet Subhas Mukhapadhaya, Modhu Limaya, P.V.G. Raju, Rani Gaidalu and others Contact with these persons was also a source of inspiration for Nirupama. Despite many problems that surfaced in day to day late, she devoted herself to Social work.

Nirupama was intimately associated with almost all the Women�s organizations. She was the general secretary of the Jorhat District Mahila Samity, and till her death was its general secretary. Nirupama did not confine her activities to the Jorhat town alone, but extended it to the neighboring backward areas. She was an active member of the Lakhimi Sangha, a leading women�s organization of Jorhat. It was at her initiative that the �Lakhimi�- the month piece of the Lakhimi Sangha was published. She actively associated herself with Tarajan Mahila Samity, Rang Chori, Dhapkata Mahila Samity and Pulibar Mahila Samity. She also played a significant role in establishing the Blind school at Jorhat.

Nirupama was closely associated with Lekhika Samaroh- the largest forum for Women writers, for several years she was the general secretary of the Jorhat Lakhika Sangha and later its president. Nirupama Baruah also served as the working president of the all Assam Lekhika Samaroh Samiti.

Ever smiling Nirupama endeared herself to everyone with her amiable disposition and charming manners. Her zeal for Social work and talent for creative activities attracted the admiration of all who came into contract with her.

On the fateful day of August 5, 1985, at the stroke of the midnight she left us for ever.