Annual general meeting of retired ACS officers’ body held

Morigaon: The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Retired Assam Civil Service (ACS) Officers’ Forum was held on Friday at the Forum’s permanent office auditorium in Dispur, under the leadership of Forum President Prasanta Kumar Baruah. The gathering witnessed the participation of numerous retired bureaucrats and dignitaries who reflected on their service and reaffirmed their commitment to social causes post-retirement. The meeting began with Secretary of the Forum, Ramananda Phukan, elaborating on the objectives and vision of the Forum. A key highlight of the event was the inauguration of the Forum’s annual magazine Sandipan by retired IAS officer Lakhmi Nath Tamuli. Tamuli also took the occasion to recount his experiences in the civil service and the roles he held over the years. The event was graced by several distinguished guests, including retired IAS officer Dhirendra Nath Saikia, who delivered a speech on the key responsibilities and activities he undertook during his tenure. Appointed speaker Harish Chandra Sonowal also shared insights on the significant contributions made by ACS officers throughout their careers. A special highlight of the AGM was the felicitation of Devashish Sharma, current District Commissioner of Morigaon, for his outstanding work in the field of cancer care. President Prasanta Baruah praised Sharma’s role in establishing Assam Bhawan in Mumbai as a crucial shelter for economically disadvantaged cancer patients seeking advanced treatment. Baruah also commended the Deepsikha Foundation—founded by Sharma—for its tireless efforts in providing a wide array of cancer care services across the country. These include awareness campaigns in remote areas, cancer screenings, hospice and palliative care, ambulance services, and psychological counselling. Adding a personal touch to the event, retired IAS officer Thaneshwar Malakar shared his own experiences at Assam Bhawan Mumbai, highlighting the far-reaching impact of the Deepsikha Foundation on cancer patients from Assam and beyond. In his address, Devashish Sharma expressed deep gratitude for the recognition bestowed upon him by his peers. He stated that the felicitation held a special place in his heart, as it came from mentors and colleagues from the administrative services who played an instrumental role in shaping his career. The AGM concluded with a renewed sense of camaraderie and commitment among the retired officers to continue contributing to society through collaborative efforts and mentorship.