Hi, Ashok Saikia's demise is a loss to us on the eve of 2008. He was an Assam cadre IAS officer who took retirement in July this year. He was OSD to former Prime Minister of India Shri Atal Behariji and was the Executive Director to Asian Development Bank till his retirement.
He was admitted to Escort Hospital and post operative complications after open heart sugery brought an end to his precious life. Many like me in Delhi would certainly remember meeting him in various social gatherings like functions of Assam Association, Delhi with a broad smile. Personally, I remember meeting him in 3 occasion once to deliver Bhupenda's lyrics, discuss about a painting on Maa Kamakhya alongwith Ms Kakoli Barkakati and to discuss about a propsal for rural development project in my village. There are a very few buraucrats who attracts you instantly with his/her dynamism, vigour, openness and inspiring words. To me, Ashok Saikia was one of such popular bureaucrats who rose to the highest level through his comptence. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Let us all mourn with his family and friends. Sarat Barkakati
