GUWAHATI: Acclaimed litterateur, lyricist, poet, and singer Dr. Lakshahira Das died in the early morning hours of Saturday after suffering a cardiac arrest.
She passed away at 2:30 AM at her home in Guwahati’s Rajgarh. She was 94 years old when she breathed her last, leaving behind an illustrious legacy in Assamese literature and music.
Born on February 13, 1931, in Sualkuchi, Lakshahira Das was the mother of celebrated ghazal singer Anirban Das. She was a celebrated lyricist for Guwahati Akashvani (All India Radio) and also made significant contributions to Assamese culture and music. In 2022, she received the Achiever Award from Pratidin Time. Her exceptional talent as a playback singer was awarded the Best Playback Singer Award for the film Lachit Barphukan in 1968.
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Dr. Das was equally successful as an academician. She retired as the Head Professor of Gauhati University’s Department of Education in 1993. In recognition of her contribution to the cultural life of Assam, the Silpi Award was conferred upon her in 2003 by the Assam Government. She was also a Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Award recipient, an award that is bestowed on a limited number of people.
Interestingly, Lakshahira Das was the only Assamese woman artist to be honored by All India Radio as a lyricist, composer, and singer in 1948. She had achieved this milestone during her undergraduate days at Cotton College. She composed nearly 2,000 songs during her six-decade-long professional life and lent her voice to different LPs and records with all-time great artists such as Ambikagiri Ray Choudhury, Umesh Chandra Choudhury, and Nalini Bala Devi.
Her contribution to Indian music was significant, for 22 of her songs were recorded by the Gramophone Company of India (HMV). She also recorded and submitted nearly 50 Rabindra Sangeet numbers to All India Radio, further spreading the popularity of Assamese music.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal’s heart was saddened by her demise, referring to her as a respected artist, teacher, and well-known writer. He recalled that her melodious voice had captivated many listeners, including him.
“I’m saddened to know of the departure of the highly respected artist, teacher, and renowned author, Dr. Lakhyahira Das Baideu, whose soulful voice enthralled millions of hearers, among them myself. Baideu’s precious achievements in Assam’s cultural and educational arenas shall never be forgotten. At this time of sadness, I like to offer my sincerest sympathies to her grieving family members and fans and pray for her eternal peace in the afterlife,” he remarked.
The passing away of Dr. Lakshahira Das marks an end to a chapter in the history of Assamese literature and music. However, her work will be remembered and loved by generations of artists and scholars to follow, and her legacy will endure for generations.
