Fond memories of Niloy khura (Nilayananda Dutta)

Nilayananda Dutta, Niloy khura for us siblings, was a man of many parts. In his academic life, he was a brilliant student with excellent academic credentials throughout. In his profession, he was the legend of the court, who had the stronghold in all branches of law. A good orator, a voracious reader, a social activist, sports commentator for All India Radio, umpire of International Cricket, president of Gauhati High Court Association, president of All Assam Lawyers Association, chairman of the Bar Council of India - these were some of the many hats that Niloy khura wore in life. He had the zest for a good life. The positive vibe that emanated from him was an inspiration for others around him.

A distinguished son of the renowned littérateur, Leftist, political activist, academician, the trailblazer of Assamese modern poetry, Bhabananda Dutta of Ratanpur, and eminent educationist Nilima Dutta, Niloykhura had the unique capacity in him to sit with the king, and yet not lose the common touch. With a brilliant academic career, he had his education at Don Bosco High School, Cotton College, Gauhati University and a short stint also at St. Stephens, New Delhi. Always a rank holder at school, he completed his graduation securing first class first in Economics. Equally blessed with excellent oratory skill, Niloy khura could keep the audience engrossed in his lectures. This was so also at the Gauhati High Court, where he spent the better part of his life, practising in all branches of law. In 1983, after joining practice, he initially joined the chamber of my senior Prashanta Kumar Goswami, and thereafter he worked with my father, Dhiresh Narayan Chowdhury. The tales narrated by the two seniors had a common thread in it – he was different, much unlike his contemporaries. He had that capability of speed reading and an exceptional memory, which every lawyer vies for in their professional life. True to the prediction of one of his senior, Niloy khura climbed the professional ladder within a short time. Very soon he became the most sought after senior advocate. He held the post of Advocate General for the State of Nagaland, and Advocate General for the State of Arunachal Pradesh for two terms. He was involved in such high profile sensational cases like the Tehelka tapes, IPL match-fixing and Akhil Gogoi's bail matter to name a few. He was one of the three members of the Mukul Mudgal Committee.

Punctuality was his forte, which he managed even as a senior advocate. He always led from the front; and set examples for the junior advocates to imbibe. His style of teaching his juniors was very different. He was a larger than life figure- a personality who not alone enjoyed his legal practice, but also sports, good movies to name a few. He was also the connoisseur of good food.

He had a history of revolution and prior to joining the legal profession, he was involved in Naxal activities. Later in life, he was also actively involved with the Manab Adhikar Sangram Samity. Such activities often landed him in trouble because of which he was arrested. Yet, Niloy khura remained unchanged and unperturbed by the episodes that took place in his life. A fearlessly outspoken and surprisingly frank persona, he dared to call a spade a spade in any situation. Devoid of any ego or vanity amongst his friends, colleagues, his seniors at the Bar as well as amongst the close family friends, Niloykhura was a unique combination of wisdom and humour.

His desire to work for the greater cause made him institute Studio Nilima in memory of his mother Nilima Dutta. His daughter Abantee/ Buli for us was a great source of strength for him, who has helped in shaping Studio Nilima's growth. His home at Kharghuli, and in the later years near Dighilipukhuri, always wears a welcoming look. Even the weary litigant is fed there. The rich cultural etiquette that runs in the Dutta household is second to none.

On his sudden departure, many of us have been deprived of the company of a warm and friendly soul like Niloy khura. Our reverence to the great soul!

– Barnali Chowdhury

Also Read: Senior Advocate From Assam Nilayananda Dutta Passes Away

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