Doyen of amateur astronomy UN Deka passes away

Doyen of amateur astronomy UN Deka passes away GUWAHATI, Jan 25 - A doyen of amateur astronomy and the present secretary of the Pragjyotish Amateur Astronomers’ Association, Uday Narayan Deka, passed away at a city hospital early this morning. He was 72. He was suffering from kidney-related ailments. Born on September 8, 1944, Deka did his BA from Cotton College. He then joined the LIC and later moved to the Mumbai branch of the RBI and worked there for about 12 years before joining the Guwahati branch of the RBI as a manager. During his stay in Mumbai, he was elected as honorary treasurer of the Bombay Amateur Astronomers’ Association. In 2000, he joined the Pragjyotish Amateur Astronomers’ Association, Guwahati. In 2005, he was elected secretary of this astronomers’ association and continued to serve this organisation in the same capacity till his death.

He played a pioneer role in popularising astronomy in the NE region. He designed courses and workshops on basic astronomy. He was a regular contributor to various newspapers, including The Assam Tribune, on celestial phenomena.

He leaves behind his wife and two daughters. His last rites were performed at Navagraha.