Veteran journalist and Dainik Sambad News Editor Pradip Dutta Bhowmik passed away at 72. A prominent voice in Tripura journalism, he died at AIIMS, New Delhi. Tributes pour in from CM Manik Saha, leaders, and the Agartala Press Club as the state mourns a profound loss.
Renowned journalist and senior editor of Dainik Sambad, Pradip Dutta Bhowmik, passed away on Sunday afternoon at AIIMS, New Delhi. He breathed his last at 3:50 PM after a prolonged illness for which he had been receiving treatment since early April. Bhowmik was 72 years old.
His passing has left a profound void in the journalistic fraternity of Tripura and beyond. He is survived by his wife, one son, one daughter, and a host of relatives, colleagues, and admirers. His mortal remains will be flown to Agartala on Monday, with the body expected to reach the city by 3 PM.
The news of his demise triggered a wave of sorrow across the state. Expressing grief, Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha said in a message shared on social media, “I was in regular touch with him and his family during his treatment. His untimely demise is a deeply saddening moment for all of us.” The Chief Minister also offered heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.
Several ministers, political leaders, and senior journalists have also mourned his loss. The Agartala Press Club, where Bhowmik was a senior member, expressed deep sorrow and extended sympathies to his grieving family.
A Life Dedicated to Journalism
Pradip Dutta Bhowmik was born on January 1, 1953, in Comilla, then part of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). His family later moved to Agartala, where he completed his early education at Netaji Subhash Vidyaniketan. He went on to pursue science at Agartala Boys’ Bodhjung School and earned a B.Sc. degree from MBB College in 1973.
Bhowmik’s journey into journalism began shortly after his graduation. He was mentored by the late Bhupen Dutta Bhowmik, a towering figure in Tripura’s media landscape and the editor of Dainik Sambad. Though he briefly took up a government job as a science teacher at Manu Bazar in 1979, his calling lay in journalism. Just two years later, he returned to the newsroom, where he would stay for the rest of his life.
In 1988, Pradip Dutta Bhowmik was appointed News Editor of Dainik Sambad, a position that marked the beginning of his influential editorial role. By the end of 1996, he had also taken on the additional responsibilities of printer and publisher, showcasing his versatility and leadership within the organization. He continued to fulfill these roles with diligence until his final days.
An Irreplaceable Loss
Bhowmik was not just a journalist; he was a mentor, guide, and inspiration to many in the media field. Over the decades, he became a respected voice in Tripura’s socio-political discourse, known for his commitment to ethical journalism and factual reporting.
His colleagues remember him as someone who combined a sharp intellect with humility, never hesitating to guide young reporters or raise his voice on issues of public importance. Many attribute their professional growth to his mentorship and editorial guidance.
His passing marks the end of an era in Tripura’s media history. Tributes continue to pour in from journalists, academicians, civil society members, and political leaders, all recalling the tremendous contribution he made to journalism and public discourse.
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As his mortal remains are brought back to Agartala, friends, colleagues, and admirers are expected to gather in large numbers to bid a final farewell to a man whose words shaped public opinion for more than four decades.
