During that period upon the call of Mahatma Gandhi in 1921, he left college and participated in the Indian independence movement and went to prison for six months.

Barua was the president of the Golaghat convention of the Assam Chatra Sanmilan in 1919.

Congress Buranji and Bilatot Mohatma are books written by Barua.

Tyagbir Hem Barua College, set up in 1963, was named after him by the people of Jamugurihat, which is situated in Naduar area in the Sonitpur district, in his honour.

[1] A building known as Hem Bhawan or Hem Barua Hall situated in the midst of Tezpur Town area and in front of Tezpur Police Station is dedicated to him.