Tribute to Nabakanta Barua on his birth anniversary

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• Dec 29, 2021 | moderator

Digital Desk: Today marks the birth anniversary of one of the most renowned personalities of Assam Nabakanta Barua. Barua has left his impressions in the pages of his influential writings in Assamese literature. His contributions towards Assamese literature and its culture will always remain noteworthy.

Barua is considered one of the pioneer's of modernistic writers in Assamese literature. His poems and writings highlighted the modern elements as the crucial part. How beautifully he has inscribed the modern opinions and characteristics in his poetry. 

Have a look at one of the most celebrated poems of Barua, 'Measurements.' This poem will blow your mind as you read through the lines of how he has presented the life of a city man who measures everyday actives and ends up into absurdity. The theme of absurdity in Assamese poetry will always find relevance in his writings. 

Barua was a graduate of the Visva Bharati University and with an MA from the Aligarh Muslim University. He joined Cotton College, Guwahati as a Lecturer in English from 1954-1964. From 1964 to 1967, he served at Assam Madhyamik Shiksha Parisod as an officer of English education. He again joined Cotton College, retiring as a vice principal in 1984.

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Nabakanta Barua is also acknowledged for his contribution to children literature. His works for the children have filled the treasure of Assamese children literature. Barua's contributions to Assamese literature include a complete collection of 39 books. 

For his excellence in writing, Baruah was coffered with Sahitya Akademi Award to Assamese Writers in 1957 for his well-known book Kokadeutar Har. He was also awarded Padma Bhushan in Literature & Education in 1976. Apart from these awards, Barua, in his lifetime, has recieved many prestigious recognitions. 

Barua used to write in the medium of Hopkins (following the sprung meter), W. B. Yeats (battle between the romantic and the modern) and T. S. Eliot (material and spiritual hollowness). 

Nabakanta Barua is known for sketching the real picture of Assamese culture, its modernity, human significances, insensitivity of the contemporary individuals through his poetry. He brought things entailed with social, spirited and philosophical thoughts. 

Nabakanta Barua was born 29 December 1926 in Guwahati to Nilakanta Barua, a school inspector and teacher, and Swarnalata Baruani. Barua took his last breath on 14 July 2002. 

There are very few poeple who leaves marks forever. One among such people is Nabakanta Barua from Assam. He will always live through his poems, lyrics, and compositions.