Padma Shri Dr Birendra Nath Dutta’s demise widely condoled

GUWAHATI: Well-acclaimed academician, musician and lyricist Dr Birendra Nath Dutta breathed his last on Monday. The musician and singer of the popular song Bohu Din Bokulor passed away at the age of 90 years.

One of the experts of the research and education in the folklore sector of the State, and the entire north-eastern region, he was a source of inspiration as well as knowledge. With his numerous creations, Dr Birendra Nath Dutta also left his mark on the creative sector of the State and his work remains invaluable for preserving and promoting the region’s rich heritage.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also condoled the demise of the eminent educator and folklore scholar on social media. “The news of the demise of Bohu Din Bokulor famed researcher of language and culture, Dr Birendra Nath Dutta has left us with a very heavy heart. The eminent educationalist, folklore researcher, fluent speaker, deep thinker and well-known personality has left behind a gaping hole in the cultural sector of the State. I pray to God for the eternal peace of the soul of Birendra Nath Dutta, the president of the Axam Xahitya Xabha and extend my deepest condolences to his family at this moment of grief. Om Shanti,” said the Chief Minster.

The staff as well as students of the Gauhati University expressed their condolences on the loss of the noted educationalist. They also prayed for the departed soul to attain peace. They mentioned that his passing was not only a loss to academicians but also to the Assamese culture as a whole. Professor Pratap Jyoti Handique, Vice Chancellor of Gauhati University, called his demise the loss of a real treasure for the state. He further added that Dr Birendra Nath Dutta’s legacy will endure through his contributions and the lives he touched over the years and he will remain a revered figure in the field of education and folklore.

Apart from being a well-noted academician, he also served as the president of the Axam Xahitya Xabha, the apex literary body of the State, from 2003 to 2005. This marks his efforts and commitment towards the preservation and propagation of rich cultural resources. Dr Birendra Nath Dutta was born in 1933 and received his Ph.D. degree from Gauhati University in 1974. His doctoral thesis, titled ‘A Study of the Folk Culture of the Goalpara District of Assam’, showed his passion and dedication to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the State.

He succumbed to his ailments on Monday at a hospital in Guwahati, at the age of 90 years. He had been under treatment since he was admitted to the hospital on October 19. Following his demise, his mortal remains were taken to his residence located in Silpukhuri. A large number of family members, friends, students, and well-wishers paid their homages to the multitalented personality. The final rites were later conducted at Navagraha crematorium.

He had been named for several prestigious awards over his lifetime. Some of them include the Padma Shri Award in 2009, the Mahapurush Shri Shri Madhavadeva Award in 2006, the Ajan Pir Award in 2008, the Leo Advertising Silpi Sanman in 2010, the Manik Chandra Chowdhury Memorial Award in 2011, and the Tagore Ratna Award of Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2011. Dr Birendra Nath Dutta leaves behind a son, Dr Uddalak Dutta, and two daughters, Dr Sudeshna Choudhury and Dr Upasana Dutta.

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