The Parag Kumar Das Satirtha Mancha had announced him as the recipient of the Parag Kumar Das Journalism Award 2025
Digital Desk: Renowned historian, Marxist thinker, writer, and former Principal of Cotton College, Professor Udayaditya Bharali, passed away at the age of 79 in the wee hours of Saturday. He breathed his last around 2:30 AM at his residence in Dighalipukhuri, Guwahati.
Born on 1st September, 1947, in Sivasagar, Prof. Bharali was a towering figure in Assam’s academic and intellectual landscape. He worked in the Department of History at Cotton College from 1968 to 2003 and then later became Principal in 2003, and held the position till 2006. Through his scholarly work as a professor and as a strong-headed Marxist and outspoken public intellectual, Prof. Bharali was primarily known as a rational, critical thinking, and outspoken voice that is counted on to courageously work upon the socio-political problems of the state of Assam.
In recognition of his literary and intellectual contributions, he was conferred the Bishnu Prasad Rabha Award by the Asam Sahitya Sabha in 1996. In February of this year, the Parag Kumar Das Satirtha Mancha announced him the recipient of the Parag Kumar Das Journalism Award 2025, which was to be handed to him in person on May 18 at his residence.
The journalism career of Prof. Bharali was equally impactful. During the early years of Asomiya Pratidin, his column Pristhobhumir Saneki offered profound global perspectives . He propagated this custom with Prasangik Pandulipi where he dealt with local and national problems. His writings also featured prominently in Sadin and Aagan, both edited by the late journalist Parag Kumar Das.
Other than in academia and journalism, he was also a short story writer as well as a well-known sports organiser. He was involved in the Parag Kumar Das Memorial debate, which has been held annually and encourages critical thinking and participation among students.
With his passing, Assam has lost one of its boldest voices—a lifelong champion of truth, equality, and intellectual freedom. Tributes continue to pour in from across the state as the people of Assam bid farewell to this iconic figure.
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