Assam on Monday remembered eminent Assamese poet, novelist and litterateur Nabakanta Barua on his 24th death anniversary, paying tribute to one of the foremost figures in modern Assamese literature.
Born on December 29, 1926, in Guwahati, Barua made significant contributions to Assamese poetry, fiction and literary criticism. Popularly known as ‘Ekhud Kokaideu’, he also wrote under the pen name Sima Dutta during the early years of his literary career.
A distinguished academic, Barua taught at several institutions, including Cotton College, where he retired as Vice Principal in 1984. He also served as President of the Asam Sahitya Sabha during its Dhing session in 1968 and again presided over the Sabha’s Bishwanath Chariali convention in 1990.
Among his notable literary works are Mur Aru Prithibir and Kokadeutar Har, the latter earning him the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1975. His contributions to literature were also recognised with the Padma Bhushan in 1976, the Assam Valley Literary Award and the Kamal Kumari National Award.
Nabakanta Barua passed away on July 14, 2002. His literary legacy continues to inspire generations of readers and writers, and his works remain an enduring part of Assamese literature.
