ITANAGAR, Oct 10: The Alumni Association of Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Daporijo, has applauded its distinguished alumnus, Devashis Sharma, IAS (Retd), on his victory in the Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election in Assam held on October 6.
In a statement, the association said Sharma's electoral success was a matter of immense pride for the school and its alumni fraternity, describing his journey from a student of GHSS Daporijo to a senior civil servant and Member of Parliament as an inspiration for younger generations.
Sharma secured 1,81,017 votes, defeating his nearest rival, AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal, who polled 1,05,769 votes. Congress candidate Sibamoni Bora received 29,826 votes. Beyond his administrative and political career, Sharma has been recognised for his humanitarian work as founder chairman and trustee of Deepsikha, a non-profit organisation dedicated to cancer care. Through the organisation, he has supported cancer patients, particularly those travelling from Assam to specialised medical institutions outside the state, by facilitating treatment, accommodation and other logistical assistance.
The association said such support could also be relevant to cancer patients from Arunachal Pradesh seeking guidance on treatment facilities. It also appreciated Sharma's contribution of Rs 3 lakh towards renovating dilapidated classrooms at his alma mater, describing the gesture as a reflection of his enduring attachment to the institution and commitment to education.
Sharma studied at GHSS Daporijo, Don Bosco School in Dibrugarh, Swami Vivekananda Vidyalaya in Digboi and Ramjas College, University of Delhi. After graduating in English literature and completing postgraduate studies in public relations, he joined the Assam Civil Services in 1992.
During his administrative career, he served as special officer to the then Assam Governor, Lt Gen S K Sinha, and as Deputy Resident Commissioner at Assam Bhawan in Mumbai. He also served as Commissioner of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation from May 2021 to August 2022 before concluding his career as a Deputy Commissioner and entering electoral politics.
Association chairman Dosh Dasi Tamin said a team of alumni members was expected to meet Sharma in Nagaon after his return from New Delhi to convey their congratulations and strengthen the bond between the elected representative and his alma mater.
The association also acknowledged the role of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in bringing Sharma into the BJP and providing him an opportunity to contest the by-election. It said Sharma's achievement would continue to inspire students of GHSS Daporijo to pursue public service and contribute to society.