Assam: CM and Other Ministers Pay Homage to Nilmani Phookan

GUWAHATI: Eminent poet and Jnanpith Award winner Padma Shri Nilmani Phookan passed away today morning after a cardiac arrest in GMCH. Following the directions that he gave before passing, the family carried out the last rights with proper honour from the state.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was unable to attend the funeral as he was in New Delhi. Mentioning his grief at the loss of the poet he mentioned, "I am saddened to hear of the passing away of one of the brightest stars that blessed the society of Assam with their literary creations. His death is an irreparable loss to Assam and the Assamese national identity. I wish him eternal peace and extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. The funeral will be held with full state dignity."

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also gave his condolences on the loss of the educationalist and poet Nilamani Phookan. He mentioned, "I am deeply saddened by the physical passing away of a sage whose unique touch fertilized the field of Assamese poetry and literature, whose sincere presence cheered our hearts and souls The death of the Jnanpith Award winner is an irreparable loss to the Assamese and Indian literary world." He also prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul.

Minister Ashok Singhal visited Gauhati Medical College and Hospital to pay his tributes to the poet on Thursday. He prayed for the poet's soul and extended his deepest condolences to the family for their great loss. In a condolence message, the minister said his death marks the end of a bright chapter in the Assamese literary world as well as the language itself. He added that the death of this ever-revered poet left an irreplaceable void in the intellectual field of the state He said the immortal works and evergreen personality of the poet would remain in the hearts of the Assamese forever.

Minister Ajanta Neog also offered her condolences on the loss telling that it has affected her very deeply. He added that the illustrious journey of worlds and poems that started in Dergaon of Goalaghat has come to an end in Guwahati today. Speaking about his immortal creations, the minister said that it will affect not only Assamese literature, but the entire Assamese way of life.

Also Read: Jnanpith Award-Winning Poet Nilmani Phookan Breathes his Last

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