Fri Feb 07 08:33:49 UTC 2025: ## Assam Tea Industry Honors Two Nonagenarians with Lifetime Achievement Awards
**Golaghat, Assam, February 7, 2025** – The North Eastern Tea Association (NETA) announced the recipients of its inaugural lifetime achievement awards, recognizing two nonagenarians for their exceptional contributions to the Assam tea industry and society. 96-year-old Sagar Mehta will receive the Tea Exemplar award, and 93-year-old Apurba Kumar Barooah will be honored with the Social Statesman award. The awards will be presented at NETA’s biennial Chairman’s Dinner in Golaghat on February 8th.
Mr. Mehta, India’s oldest serving tea garden executive, boasts a long and distinguished career, beginning with his recruitment by the British in 1954. His contributions have been instrumental in the growth of tea production in the Dooars region of West Bengal and Assam. Currently the president of the Badulipar Tea Company, he remains actively involved in the industry.
Mr. Barooah, a pioneer of Assam’s cooperative movement, has left an indelible mark as a tea planter, poet, writer, and community leader. He founded Golaghat’s first weekly newspaper and a unique monthly magazine dedicated to the Assam tea industry. His dedication extends to mentoring young people in the industry and establishing a public library.
NETA chairman Ajay Dhandharia lauded both men as legends, emphasizing their unwavering commitment and dedication. The association, which represents over 179 tea companies producing more than 150 million kilograms of tea annually, considers the awards a testament to the invaluable contributions of these individuals and a source of inspiration for future generations.
First Piper 