Renowned academician Dr. Golok Chandra Goswami passes away at 96 in Guwahati

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Renowned academician, linguist and litterateur of Assam, Dr. Golok Chandra Goswami took his last breath on Friday at the age of 96.

He was unwell since some time and was cremated here at Navagraha creamatorium with full honors.

The eminent scholar was born on 15 November 1923 in the undivided Nagaon district (now Morigaon). Son of Paramananda Debogoswami and Domoyonti Devi, he was a brilliant student and passed his matriculation exam in 1944 from Raha High School. He did his graduation from Cotton College and earned his master’s degree from Guwahati University in 1953.

After passing his BA exam, Dr. Goswami was appointed as a teacher in Guwahati’s Kamrup academy. In 1950, he worked in the Assamese Daily, “Notun Asomiya” as a senior editor and later joined the department of Assamese at Gauhati University as a lecturer in July, 1954. He retired as a Professor and Head of the Department in1985.

Dr. Goswami has received numerous awards and title during his lifetime. He received the prestigious Ananda Ram Baruah Award in 2005 was also honored with Axam Xahitya Xabha’s ‘Sahityacharya’ title in 2002 and ‘Bhashacharya’ title in the year 2000.

Apart from being a writer in English and Assamese, Dr. Goswami had translated numerous books. Some of his notable books in English include, An introduction to Assamese Phonology 1966, Structure of Assamese 1983, Revised and edited Dr Banikanto Kakati’s Assamese, Its Formation and Development. He had also written some of the most detailed books to understand Assamese grammar. Dhwani Bigyanor Bhumika, Asomiya Varna Prokash and Asomiya Aakhor Jotoni are some of his popular works in the Assamese language. Besides these, Assamese translation of Word of God (Ishwaror Baani) is also among his popular works.

His path breaking contribution to the linguistic study of Assamese language will always be cherished.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal condoled the demise of the renowned academician. In a statement, the Chief Minister said, “I am deeply saddened by the demise of eminent academician, linguist and litterateur Dr. Golok Chandra Goswami, who made remarkable contribution in the field of Assamese language and literature during his lifetime.” Chief Minister’s Media Advisor Hrishikesh Goswami also mourned the passing away of the noted linguist and offered his sympathies to the bereaved family members. Earlier, he also visited the residence of late Goswami and offered floral tribute at his mortal remains on behalf of the Chief Minister.

State Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma , Axam Xahitya Xabha President, Publication Board of Assam, Leader of Opposition Assam Legislative Assembly Debabrata Saikia, BJP State president Ranjeet Kumar Dass, AASU’s Chief Advisor Sammujjal Bhhattachary, President Dipankar Kumar Nath and General Secretary Lurinjyoti Gogoi also mourned the demise of the scholar and gave their condolences.

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