Again a Green Corridor and airlift fails to save the patient; Silchar's Ashok Das dies in Chennai

Ashok Das, a resident of the Radhamadhab Road in Silchar, was rushed to Chennai from Silchar late last month. He was taken from the local private hospital to Silchar Airport in a green corridor. On the first day, it was not possible to transfer him because of the bad weather conditions, hence he was airlifted the second day. Meanwhile, several members of his family also became infected with the coronavirus. They are undergoing treatment at home, but Ashok Das could not be saved, even after so many attempts. He breathed his last at a hospital in Chennai on Thursday night.

At the time of his demise, he was 63 years old. He is survived by Apu Rani Das, son Apurba Das, daughter Aparna Das and many other members of the Akhanda organization. He was one of the strong pillars of the South Assam Akhanda Organization. At his demise, the Akhanda Organization as well as the entire trading community is grieving and is in mourning.

On the evening of June 26, Ashok Das suddenly felt breathing difficulties at his residence in Radhamadhab road. After checking, it was found that his oxygen level has come down below 90. Immediately, he was taken to a private nursing home in Silchar. Initial tests showed that he was infected with the Covid-19 virus. Although he was treated there for three days, still his condition did not improve. In the end, he was taken to Chennai by air ambulance on the morning of June 30 for better treatment.

He was accompanied by his nephew Karnendu Das, two brother-in-laws Anjan Kumar Paul and Siddhartha Paul. He underwent a throat operation while undergoing treatment in Chennai. But over time, his body began to respond.

At 10 pm on Thursday, due to paralysis of various parts of his body, he lost the Covid battle and gave up his life. The news of his demise cast a shadow of mourning over the entire Akhanda organization and his family. Upon hearing of the loss, his son Apurba Das flew to Chennai on Friday afternoon. Anjan Kumar Paul, the deceased’s brother-in-law from Chennai, said that his last rites would be performed according to Hindu Shastra at 8 am on Saturday at the initiative of Chennai City Corporation. Since it’s a Covid case, it’s not feasibly possible to transport his body to his hometown of Silchar, so the funeral will be held in Chennai instead.

Late Ashok Kumar Das was born at Tikar Burunga Padri Tila in the Kalain area. Although his father Anil Das was a zamindar, he has contributed to various social causes including building many educational institutions in the area. After completing his primary and secondary education at his own donated educational institution, Ashok Das studied at the Yudhisthira Saha Higher Secondary School in Bihara.

After that, he moved to Silchar, where he started various business establishments as well as joined in social causes. In his youth, he became the disciple of Ajachak Rishi Swami Swarupananda and jumped into the task of carrying forward their movement. Ashok Das, a benevolent philanthropist, held different positions at the Akhand Mandal on the outskirts of South Assam. He was the owner of one of the establishments in Silchar Jaya’s Hotel. Several members of the Akhand Mandal have expressed their deep grief over his demise. The Silchar Hotel Association has also expressed its condolences.