BARKATAKI, SHRIMATI RENUKA DEVI, M.Sc., Janata, (Assam—Gauhati—1977) :  d. of late Dr. Rudra Kanta Sarma; b. at Gauhati, November 1932; ed. at Cotton College, Gauhati and Gauhati University; m. Shri Munindra Nath Barkataki, April 1959; 1 d.; Social Worker; previously associated with United Congress for 16 years and Congress (O) for 10 years; was detained under Maintenance of Internal Security Act from June, 1975 for 19 months; General Secretary, (i) State Flood Relief Committee, (ii) Bharat Seva Mission, (iii) Eastern India Women’s Association, (iv) All-India Forum for University Women, Assam; and (v) Assam Deaf Welfare Trust; Vice-President, Assam State Deaf and Dumb Association; President, Assam State Government Employees Union; Treasurer, Indian National Trade Union Congress, Assam Branch; President of about 10-12 trade unions; Member, Assam Legislative Assembly, 1972—77, was Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly, 1972—77; Member, Third Lok Sabha, 1962—67; Member, Estimates Committee, July-August 1977; Minister of State in the Union Ministry of Education, Social Welfare and Culture since August, 1977.

Favourite pastime and recreation:  Reading.

Special interests:  Social work; interested in higher mathematics and astronomy.

Sports and clubs:  Connected with a few Sports Clubs and organisations; Vice-President, All-India Sports Council of the Deaf.

Travels abroad:  Visited U.K. on Her Majesty’s invitation; visited U.S.A. on invitation from the States; also visited Japan, U.S.S.R., Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines and some European countries.

Permanent address:  ‘Panchabati’, Gauhati-3, Assam.