OUR CORRESPONDENT
TEZPUR: Yageshwar Mahanta, a leading Sanskit scholar, veteran actor and the Xatradhikar of Sri Sri Madarguri Xatra, Tezpur, passed away in his residence here in the wee hours of Thursday. He was 100. Mahanta, an inhabitant of Besseria village area, was suffering from old-age ailments.
Asom Satra Mahasabha, Ban Theater, Sonitpur Press Club, Bhoomi, Jangam, Tezpur Xahitya Xabha, Joymoti Sangha, Sonitpur Silpi Samaj, Grahan Udyan Samittee and hundreds of cultural activists, social workers, members of various cultural groups and organzations, local artistes and MP Pallab Lochon Das, and Tezpur MLA Brindaban Goswami paid floral tributes to him and also condoled his demise.
In his condolence message, renowned playwright, director and Natasurya Phani Sarma awardee Aishwarya Kakoti said that Mahanta's contributions to the growth of Assamese society would be remembered for generations to come. "He was a versatile genius who had dedicated his entire life to art and culture. His death has created a huge void in the arena of culture. He was not only a leading Sanskrit scholar but also very amiable person and the contribution he had made in the field of art and culture were truly outstanding and unforgettable. I convey my sympathy to the bereaved family," he said.