Nabakanta Barua – Assamese Poet
Nabakanta Barua (1926 – 2002) is a prominent Assamese poet and novelist. He contributed to Assamese literature with his poetry collections, novels, short stories, lyrics and essays. Barua also wrote several popular children literature in Assamese language. Because of his unique literary works, Nabakanta Barua was honoured with several awards including Sahitya Akademi, Assam Prakashan Parisod Award and Assam Valley Award.
Biography:
Nabakanta Barua was born in Guwahati on December 29, 1926. His father was Nilakanta Barua and mother was Swarnalata Baruani. Nabakanta Barua had three brothers: Debakanta, Jibakanta, and Sibakanta. The family lived in upper Assam, Puranigudam and Nagaon town. Nabakanta Barua attended Nagaon Govt Boys School in 1933 and completed matriculation from the same school in 1941. Barua was admitted to Cotton College of Guwahati. But illness caused problem and he lost two years. In 1943, Nabakanta Barua moved to Shantiniketan in West Bengal. He attended Aligarh Muslim University and successfully completed his B.A. with English honors in 1947 and M. A. in 1953.
Barua started his career in education sector from the A. K. College in Shikohabad, Uttar Pradesh. He also worked in Jagannath Barooah College, Jorhat. In 1954, Barua joined Cotton College of Guwahati and worked there till 1964. During 1964 to 1867, he served as an Officer of English Education in Assam Madhyamik Shiksha Parisad (SEBA). Again, Nabakanta Barua joined Cotton College and retired from the same as Vice Principal in 1984.
Nabakanta Barua passed away on July 14, 2002.
Works & Recognition:
Barua’s contribution to Assamese literature include as many as 11 poem collections, 5 novels and many short stories, lyrics, essays etc.
Poetry Collections of Nabakanta Barua: Hey Aranya Hey Mahanagar, Mur aru Prithibir, Eti Duti Egharoti Tora, Samrat, Rati Jilmil Tora Jilmi, Ratnakar aru Onanyo Kobita, Dolongot Tamighora
Novels of Nabakanta Barua: Kokadeutar Haar, Manuh Ataibor Dwip, O-Podartho, Kopilporiya Sadhu
Children literature of Nabakanta Barua: Siyali Palegoi Ratanpur, Akhoror Jokhola, Makhonor Kukura Powali, Golap aru Beliphool,
In 1974, Nabakanta Barua won Assam Prakashan Parisad Award for his poetry collection "Mur aru Prithibir". Next year, he was awarded with Sahitya Akademi for novel "Kokadeutar Har". In 1976, Indian Government honoured Padma Bhushan (Literature & Education) to Nabakanta Barua. The 1990 Bishwanath Chariali convention of Asom Sahitya Sabha was presided over by Nabakanta Barua. This prominent Assamese personality was honoured with Assam Valley Literary Award in 1993.
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