Shradhanjali to Dr BC Kalita: Historian, columnist, author and organizer

In 1971, on a cold wintery morning, a young dynamic man, from a tiny village near Guwahati was being accorded a grand send off, showering flowers and petals, along the road leading to the bus stop, to embark on a new journey as Professor of History & Social Science at National Defense Academy, Khadakvasla, Pune. The flamboyant and courageous young man was none other than Dr Bharat Chandra Kalita, my beloved mama. During those times, in the early 70's, to qualify for such a prestigious position in the country's topmost Defense Institute, clearing the UPSC exams, was really a herculean feat for someone hailing from a remote hamlet in North east.

For the young man, National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla in the city of Poona now Pune, was transportation to an elite and sophisticated, alien environment laced with highest order of discipline and cosmopolitan habitation, where the high and the might of military and civilian confluence took place. It was a place where the upper echelons of the social strata, the elite, the intellectuals and the national think tank converged, into a myriad conglomerate. Despite such monumental change, he never allowed his humble background, intense poverty, difficult childhood, to stand as hindrance between him and the elite society. Within no time he amalgamated himself with great ease, finesse and perfection to the epitome of this aristocracy and zenith of Indian defense establishment. His individual brilliance, dashing attitude and indomitable courage was noticed soon and it created a niche of his own self there.

Throughout his career at the NDA, he taught Military History, Military Economics, Strategy and Tactics, National and International conflicts of humanitarian issues in National Defence Academy (NDA), where officers of the Indian Army, Navy and Airforce graduated. He had a special bonding with Officers of Northeast and Assam, graduating from there, and was like a father figure to them; they in turn had very kind words of praise for him.

During the 70's and 80's, being a pioneer to Pune and NDA, his house was the epicenter of who's who of Assam, visiting Bombay and Pune. The late CM of Assam, Sarat Chandra Sinha, during one of his visits to NDA, casually visited his house and had lunch. DrKalita requested the Chief Minister to donate some Assamese books for the NDA library. Immediately after his return, the late CM sent more than 500 Assamese books and that was the beginning of an Assamese section in library of NDA, which exists even today.

SudhaKanthaDrBhupenHazarika used to fondly address mama as PoonarKalita and often asked him to join in Mumbai and Loonavala during his visits and both had great intellectual times together.

Mama was multi-faceted personality, historian, author, columnist, organizer, adviser, orator etc all jelled into one. His immense contribution to the society, social and cultural cause will be remembered for a long time. His unbiased love, affection, good wishes and guidance to the family, society and to his loved ones will always remain in the hearts of people forever.

Personally for me, his demise is a colossal loss for me as he had been my inspiration, my guiding light and a father figure.

Adieu Mama, we will miss you each day as it passes.

Om Shanti !!

— Nava Kalita

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