Assam: Litterateur Dr Basanta Kumar Bhattacharyya Passes Away in Nalbari

Staff reporter

Guwahati: Renowned Assamese writer, poet, and academic Dr Basanta Kumar Bhattacharyya passed away on Wednesday morning at his residence in Nalbari. He was 83. The mortal remains of Dr. Bhattacharyya were cremated at Nalbari with state honours in the presence of his admirers.

Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his condolence and said, “The news of the demise of eminent educationist, former Head of the Assamese Department at Nalbari College, noted literary scholar Dr. Basanta Kumar Bhattacharyya is extremely saddening. A man of integrity, esteemed and respected by all, Dr. Bhattacharyya’s contribution to the Assamese literary world will always be remembered. His passing is an irreparable loss to the intellectual community.

I extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers for the eternal peace of the departed soul. I also express my deepest sympathy to the bereaved family and his well-wishers in this time of grief.”

Born on February 1, 1942, Dr Bhattacharyya was a towering figure in Assamese literature, known for his rich contributions across genres including short stories, poetry, essays, plays, and literary criticism. His works, deeply rooted in human emotion and social realities, have left a lasting imprint on readers and scholars alike.

Dr Bhattacharyya’s educational journey began in village schools and later took him to Cotton College and Gauhati University. He completed his Master’s degree in Assamese and went on to shape countless minds as a teacher.

He began his teaching career at Barnagar College and, in 1968, joined Nalbari College, where he served as the Head of the Assamese Department until his retirement in 2002. A dedicated academic, Dr Bhattacharyya mentored 15 PhD scholars and played a crucial role in establishing several junior colleges in Assam.

Among his acclaimed literary works are short story collections like Protest, The Sky is Blue, Unattached Voices, and Fragments of Dreams and Nightmares, all of which reflect his deep understanding of the human psyche. His poetry collections, including Your Heart’s Warmth and Sometimes Alone in the Desert, are cherished for their lyrical expression and emotional resonance.

His death marks the end of a luminous chapter in Assam’s literary and academic history. Tributes have poured in from literary and academic circles, with many remembering him as an inspiring teacher, a sensitive writer, and a compassionate human being.

Also read: Ratan Thiyam, Renowned Theatre Director, Dies at 77

Also Watch: