A Tribute to Nilay Dutta

The sudden passing away of Nilay Dutta in the wee hours of September 19, 2021, shocked a wide spectrum of people whose lives he had touched in various ways. Assam has lost a legal luminary, but for the Dutta clan rooted in Ratanpur village of Bajali district, but spread all over the State and beyond, the loss was achingly personal. Born to the literary intellectuals Bhabananda Dutta and Nilima Dutta, genius was in his genes. He reached the pinnacle of his profession and gave back to society manifold specifically the indigent and disadvantaged. His brainchild 'Studio Nilima' looked after by his daughter is doing commendable work in providing free legal aid to the needy undertrials.

He shared a special bond with my father Jibanananda Dutta, his father's younger brother. Despite his hectic schedule, he visited my father every day during his long hospital stay. When he passed away, he helped us with the legal formalities and all the after death rituals. He always kept an eye on my mother. She is now distraught that her pillar of strength is gone.

At family gatherings, he would hold the centre stage with his wit and wry sense of humour, but only when he was in his element. At other times, he could be brusque and uncommunicative. With The sudden passing away of Nilay Dutta in the wee hours of September 19, 2021, shocked a wide spectrum of people whose lives he had touched in various ways. Assam has lost a legal luminary, but for the Dutta clan rooted in Ratanpur village of Bajali district, but spread all over the State and beyond, the loss was achingly us, his relationship was of openness and understanding. His affection for us was apparent, yet he gave us a piece of his mind when he saw fit.

Nilay da was generous to a fault. Biju bou, his wife, bore the brunt of it all and gave cheerfully of her time and effort. He was a hard taskmaster and expected the best efforts from his juniors and associates. However, he took good care of everyone and rewarded good work generously. No wonder, his juniors have imbibed the same work ethic. I particularly remember Pranab and Barnali, who have branched out on their own now.

Accounts of his fabled legal acumen are numerous, but what gives me immense pride in the way he helped Akhil Gogoi when he was incarcerated under NSA. I also admire the way, the government was compelled to compensate them when Nilay Dutta and Ajit Bhuyan were jailed wrongly.

Nilay da was a lover of good food, and when health concerns greatly reduced his food choices, his wife Biju bou found ingeniuous ways of making his food palatable.

Nilay Dutta was many things to innumerable people- legal eagle, sports administrator, troubleshooter, sounding board and advisor across affiliations, but for us, he was a mentor we always looked up to, who stood by us when we rushed to him in need, and always lent a helping hand.

This time when he went with his friends and family on a sabbatical to celebrate his 46th wedding anniversary, he seemed to be bursting with good health. His sudden passing amid happy celebrations has shocked and numbed everyone.

It is comforting to think that his last moments were spent so happily surrounded by loved ones. I am sure his wife Biju bou, who has been the perfect foil for his keen intellect, will find the strength to carry on the work he has been frenetically pursuing, ably supported by his two children Bablu and Buli, who have done well for themselves. Buli is a chip off the old block, with the same temperament and will keep nursing Studio Nilima as passionately as she has been doing.

– Hemangini Hazarika

Also Read: Human rights activist Nilay Dutta passes away in Karnataka

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