The state's most loved and respected poet died at his Silpukhuri residence at around 12.30 pm today following some respiratory problems. Born in Nagaon, Nabakanta Barua's single greatest contribution to the states was his poems, considered the most modern and contemporary in his times which paved the way for modern poetry in the state. Nabakanta Barua along with Amulya Barua and Hem Barua were considered the renaissance of modern poetry in the state. Barua's part in other litterateur such as novels and short stories besides poetry were also significant and most contemporary of its times. Barua started his career in writings, mostly poems, during the Second World War and boomed around post-independence phase.
Among his most noteworthy and popular poems are included in the book 'Kapiliparia Sadhu'. Winner of the prestigious Padmabhusan award in 1976, Barua has written over 39 books and remained a literary giant for Assamese literature for the past five decades. His famous book 'Kakadeutar Har', winner of Sahitya Akademi award in 1975, has been referred as all time classics. He won numerous awards in Assam including the Assam Literary Valley award and was the former President of Asom Sahitya Sabha.
Besides poems, Barua also took up writings for children in the form of short stories and novels when at a time; there were not even passable books written for children. He wrote many such books and continued to write for them till his death. Former Vice-Principal of Cotton College, Barua has written 11 collections of poems, five fictions, five other prose, and six books on children and seven translations among others. As the news of his demise spread, a pall of gloom descended over the literary circle in Assam. He was 72, and is survived by his daughter. The Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and Governor Lt General S K Sinha mourn his death and sent condolence messages to his family.
by WWW.ASSAMLIVE.COM
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