Master storyteller Mahim Bora takes his leave

BY OUR BUREAU

GUWAHATI/GAON, Aug 5: Eminent Assamese litterateur Mahim Bora died due to old age problems in a private nursing home here, creating a void in the Assamese literature field. He was 92. Bora was born at Ghope Sadharu Tea Estate in Sonitpur district and his home village was Ramtamuli Chuk in gaon district.

Bora was admitted in the GNRC on Thursday in critical condition. He was kept under ventilation and breathed his last at around 9:50 am on Friday. His mortal remains were taken to his hometown gaon where his last rites were performed with full State honour.

The writer is survived by a son and two daughters-in-law. His wife and another son had predeceased him.

A prolific short story writer and a poet, Bora had received the Sahitya Akademi Award for his most popular work 'Edhani Mahir Hanhi' in 2001. He received Padma Shri in 2011, Assam Valley Literary Award in 1998 and Sahityacharya honour in 2008. Bora did his matriculation from Kaliabar Government Aided High School and completed his MA from Gauhati University. He also worked as lecturer of Assamese at Jorhat's JB College and Nowgong College during 1954-1987. He was the president of the Axom Xahitya Xabha during 1989-90.

His literary works include 'Kathanibari Ghat', 'Bohubhuji Tribhuj', 'Eai dir Sonte,' 'Mai Pippali Aru Puja', 'Rati Phula Phul', 'Barayatri', 'Chakravat', 'Much aru Manuh', 'Top', 'Tinir Tini Gol', 'Putala Ghaiz', 'Herowa Digantara Maya', etc.

His other works include short-story collection- 'Kathanibari Ghat' (1961), 'Deha Garaka Prem' (1967), 'Moi Pipali Aru Puja' (1967), 'Bahubhuji Tribhuj' (1967), 'Akhan dir Mrityu' (1972), 'Rati Phula Phul' (1977), 'Borjatri' (1980), 'Mor Priya Galpa' (1987), collection of essays – 'Chinta Bichitra' (1989), 'Sahitya Bichitra' (1989), novel – 'Herua Digantar Maya' (1972), 'Edhani Mahir Hanhi' (2001), 'Banduli Phular Rang' (2007), 'Putala Ghar' (1973), children literature – 'Batris Putalar Sadhu' (1976), 'Tezimala Aru Cindarela' (2007), and several others.

Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal expressed condolence over Bora's death and said he was a well known literary figure and educationist. His death will leave a big void in the State's literary field and he will continue to be the fountainhead of inspiration for generations to come.

Cultural Affairs Minister ba Kumar Doley paid last respects to the noted litterateur on behalf of the Chief Minister.

AASU chief advisor Samujjal Bhattacharya said late Bora loved Assam and its people from his heart and his creations inspired millions of the Assamese people. "It's a great loss for the State," said Bhattacharya.

Paramanda Rajbongshi, secretary general of the Axom Xahitya Xabha (AXX), said, "With his death, we have become guardian less, but he will continue to live in our hearts."

Noted writer Ismail Hussain said late Bora had played a great role in building the Assamese society by keeping alive the traditiol values.

State Governor, Assam Police, BJP, AGP, APCC, AIUDF, Assembly Speaker, Opposition leader Debabrat Das and many others mourned the demise of the legendary writer.