Former Professor of Gauhati University Dr Banikanta Sarma Passes Away

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Acclaimed Assamese & Sanskrit scholar, academician and former professor of Gauhati University, Dr Banikanta Sarma passed away this morning ( Saturday, 18 September 2021) at his residence in Malibagan area near Ujanbazar in the city. A soft-spoken gentleman Dr Sarma breathed his last at around 10.10 am. He was not feeling well for some time."Retired as Head of the Department in Modern Indian Language (GU), Professor Sarma contributed immensely to the Assamese society with his scholarly articles published in various journals and other organs. His areas of research were the contributions of Christian missionaries to the growth of Assamese language and literature in Ninetieth century and also western influences on Assamese literature.

He edited a number of academic publications enriched with fabulous creations of Mohapurus Shrimanta Shankardev, glimpses of Vedic literature, Brahmaputra valley civilization, etc. Earned reputations as a translator too, Dr Sarma served Sabita Sabha, Kamrup Anusandhan Samity and Asom Sahitya Sabha in different capacities.

Born at Gamerimuri village under Nalbari district on 18 December 1934, Dr Sarma completed his early education in Dharmapur and Kaithalkuchi localities in western Assam. Later he shifted to Guwahati to study in Cotton College (now Cotton University). Dr Sarma completed his master degree in Assamese and Economics from Gauhati University.

Dr Sarma left behind his wife -- Mrs Bijoya Sarma, magistrate son -- Sanjiv Sarma, daughter Ranjita Devi along with two grandsons and a host of close relatives and well-wishers. His last rites was performed at Navagraha crematorium in the afternoon hours following the necessary Corona protocols.

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