Jnanpith Award-Winning Poet Nilmani Phookan Breathes His Last

GUWAHATI: One of the most popular poets from the state of Assam, Nilmani Phookan breathed his last today on the premises of the Gauhati Medical College Hospital.

He was born in Dergaon in Golaghat on September 11, 1933. He worked in the Arya Vidyapeeth College of Guwahati from 1964 to 1992. Several of his compilation of poems were published over the years. He even translated many poems from Japanese and different European languages into Assamese. His notable works include Surya Henu Nami Ahe Ei Nodiyedi, Gulapi Jamur Lagna, and Kobita.

Nilmani Phukan won the 56th Jnanpith Award, India's highest literary award three years back. He was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1990. Apart from that he was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship, the highest recognition from Sahitya Akademi in 2002 and Assam Valley Literary Award in 1997.

According to the doctors, the poet and educationalist suffered a cardiac arrest at around 11 AM. After trying their best, they announced his passing at 11:55 AM on Thursday.

According to the reports, his dead body will be taken home for people to pay their respects before performing the last rites.

The state government wanted the family to allow people across the state to pay their last respects to the poet today and perform the last rites tomorrow. Also, the chief minister of Assam is currently in New Delhi on an official visit. But following the last wishes of the poet, the family has decided to perform the necessary actions today afternoon at the Bhutnath Crematorium.

The last rites of the poet will be carried out after proper state honours were given to him at around 3:30 PM.

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