Mahim Bora's passing

An educationist with peerless literary talent, Mahim Bora was in the rare happy position of contributing to a language he taught in school and college. But even a writer of his stature, in a foreword to a collection of his short stories brought out in 2004-05, could not help commenting wistfully: “The thought occasiolly comes to me that had I but received such encouragement even ten years ago, maybe I could have penned a few more short stories or poems”. The sentiment in a nutshell reflects the despair which is the lot of many creative talents in the State, ploughing their lonely furrows without support, and often recognition. Mahim Bora has left behind nearly fifty short stories, a couple of novels, a book of poems and several critical writings — the value of which as gems of Assamese literature will only increase in the coming years. His short stories, in particular, had an unsurpassed poetic, lyrical quality, best exemplified by the unforgettable ‘Kathoninbari ghat’. Other immortal stories like ‘Tope’, ‘Tinir Tini Gol’, ‘Maach Aru Manuh’ and ‘Chakravat’ are testaments of his total identification with the pristine rhythm and flavor of rural life, observed with deep humanistic sensitivity. If his command over language mesmerized readers and critics alike, the underlying shades and layers of meaning, the subtle overtones made his works an enriching experience. In his long life, Mahim Bora was honoured with the Padma Shri, Sahitya Akademi award and many other awards; he also graced Assam Sahitya Sabha as president. But the abiding memory is of a great author absolutely untouched and unspoilt by all the accolades that came his way. Till his last, he remained humble and ussuming, steadfast to his Kolongpaar roots, a true son of the soil. Mahim Bora’s circuit may have been limited to life between gaon and Koliabor, but the exquisite tales he wove encompassed the reality of the whole world.