HT Correspondent
TEZPUR, July 23: The Asam Sahitya Sabha has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of noted Assamese litterateur, Sahityacharya Dr Basanta Kumar Bhattacharyya, describing his demise as an irreparable loss to the literary and cultural fabric of Assam.
Dr Bhattacharyya, a celebrated writer, academic, and former President of Nalbari Zila Sahitya Sabha, breathed his last recently, leaving behind a rich legacy of literary and scholarly contributions.
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In an official statement issued on Wednesday, Sabha President Dr Basanta Kumar Goswami, Vice-President Padum Rajkhowa, and Principal Secretary Debojit Bora offered heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.
They said Dr Bhattacharyya’s death is a loss not only to the Asam Sahitya Sabha but to the entire Assamese literary fraternity and the state as a whole.
As a mark of tribute, the central office of the Asam Sahitya Sabha in Jorhat, along with regional offices in Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Silchar, Diphu (Rangchina Bhawan), Nagaon, Mangaldoi, Jalah, Dhubri, and Lakhimpur, flew their flags at half-mast throughout the day.
Several district and branch units also organised condolence meetings in his memory.
Born on February 1, 1942, in Nalbari district, Dr Bhattacharyya’s academic journey took him from local schools to Cotton College and later Gauhati University.
Though he initially enrolled at Guwahati Medical College, he shifted focus to literature, eventually earning a master’s degree in Assamese.
Dr Bhattacharyya began his teaching career at Bornagar College before joining Nalbari College in December 1968.
He served as Head of the Assamese Department until his retirement in January 2002.
Known for his dedication to education, he mentored 15 PhD scholars and played a pivotal role in the establishment of junior colleges in the Nalbari region.
Even after retirement, he continued teaching as visiting faculty until 2011.
A prolific author and literary critic, Dr Bhattacharyya’s work spans several genres including short stories, poetry, essays, drama, and critical analysis.
His acclaimed short story collections include Pratibad, Bodhan, Aborodh, Eti Nishar Batorire, Akash Ajiu Nila, Dusta Prajapati, Duswapnor Somoy, Grahan, Klanta Aoporahno, Asonglogno Swar, Manuh Ase Manuh Nai, Eta Golpor Arombhoni, Ondhokarot Moi Okole, Swapna Duswapnor Bhagnangso, Nixiddho Alaap, and Basanta Kumar Bhattacharyyar Galpo Samagra.
His poetry volumes include Tumar Hridoyor Umere, Ekhon Begoboti Nadir Dore Tumi, Noi Poria Gos Ejopar Chaat, Bukur Bagichat Phulil Epah Khorikajai, Jonake Chui Jai Tumak, Nisobde Ei Seujiyat, Aranya Phali Ejak Chorai, Nijanot Okole Ketiyaba, and Duhat Meli Sunyotat.
In addition to his creative writing, Dr Bhattacharyya authored several scholarly and critical works such as Bhasa Xahityor Porichoy, Asomiya Lokageet Samikshya, Samagra Asam Sahitya Sabhar Itihas, and Adhunik Asomiya Natak: Prakriti Aru Ritir Bichar.
In recognition of his immense contribution to Assamese literature, Dr Bhattacharyya was conferred the title of “Sahityacharya” by the Asam Sahitya Sabha in 2017 and honoured as Nalbari Ratna by the literary community of his home district.
His demise leaves behind a void that will be deeply felt in the literary and academic circles of Assam.
