Hrishikesh Datta: A Tribute

In these materialistic days, we meet few people who are idealists at heart and talk beyond monetary matters. Such an exception was Hrishikesh Datta, who breathed his last suddenly and very untimely on February 23 this year after a brief illness. Though we met very little and mostly we had talks on the streets, yet from those brief exchanges of thoughts; I got a clear impression that he was a simple and honest person and earnestly dedicated to art, literature and culture. As he was very indifferent to a routine social life, he always kept himself busy for doing something creative.

Born in an illustrious family of Uzan Bazar, Guwahati in 1965, he was the son of late Praphulla Datta and Mrs. Mrinmoyee Datta. After completing his formal educations from Guwahati's Collegiate School and Sankardev College of Shillong, he joined the service of the State forest department and simultaneously concentrated into the literary and other socio-cultural activities. Among his published works 'Amlanjyoti', 'Megh-Jok-Aakash' and 'Amritpurar Dukhariya Chabi' are three Assamese books. For his literary talents he received Michael Madhusudhan Datta award from West Bengal. As he was very amiable, though outspoken also, he was loved and admired by all who came to his contact. On his Adyashraddha today, I pay my heartfelt tribute to his revered memory and pray for the eterl peace of his departed soul.

Rupam Barua