Guwahati: Eminent Historian Udayaditya Bharali Passes Away

Staff reporter

Guwahati: Eminent historian, social thinker and political commentator Professor Udayaditya Bharali died on Sunday after a prolonged illness. He was 78 years old and survived by his wife and two daughters.  Born in September 1, 1947 in Moran in Sivasagar district, Bharali began teaching History at the Cotton College in Guwahati from 1968 and retired in 2006 as the Principal of the same institute. He also served as the Head of the Department of History at the oldest college of the Northeast.

Prof. Bharali’s early life was marked by frequent relocations due to his father’s transferable job. As a result, he received his foundational and secondary education across several places including Mangaldoi, Udalguri, Dhekiajuli, Majbat, Gohpur, Sivasagar, Guwahati, Barama, Nalbari, and Barpeta. He passed his metric examination from Barpeta Vidyapith in 1962. He later graduated from Cotton College (1962-1966) and completed his post-graduation in History from Gauhati University with a gold medal in 1968.

Prof. Bharali began his teaching career on November 14, 1968, at Cotton College, where he served with distinction until his retirement on August 31, 2003. During his tenure, he also served as the Head of the History Department (2002–2003) and later took over as the Principal of Cotton College in 2003, a post he held until his retirement in 2006.

The noted academician has penned several important books such as The Political History of Assam, Vol-1, published by the Government of Assam as an Associate Editor, and Hundred Years’ History of Cotton College: 1901-2001 as a writer.

He is also a recipient of several accolades, including the Bishnu Prasad Rabha Award by the apex literary body Axam Xahitya Xabha in 1996 for his acclaimed short story collection Beimanor Thikana (The Address of a Traitor). Prof. Bharali was recently honoured with the “Parag Kumar Das Journalism Award” by the Parag Kumar Das Satirtha Mancha.

Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed deep anguish over the passing away of eminent educationist and former Principal of Cotton College, Udayaditya Bharali, earlier this morning. CM conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and offered prayers for the eternal peace of the departed soul.

His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in Assam’s intellectual and academic landscape.

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