Bhabendra Nath Saikia

Bhupendra Nath Sakia was a prominent and one of the most liked writers and novelists in India. He was born on 20 February 1932 in Nowgong, Assam, India. Bhabendra completed his schooling in 1950 with the science stream. Later he did graduation with B.Sc. with Physics honors at the College of Gauhati University. Bhabendra was admitted to the Presidency College of Calcutta University to do post-graduation in Physics. He also achieved Ph.D. in Physics from the University of London and then did Diploma from the Imperial College of Science & technology.

Looking back to his academic records, one can easily say that Bhabendra was a bright person who scored the best at all levels of education. Bhabendra was offered to edit Assamese monthly magazine, Prantik, and children’s magazine, Xafura. During his time, Jyoti Chitraban was the only film studio in Assam, and he became the president of the same. He worked as a reader in Physics at Gauhati University. Bhabendra wrote many plays for the Mobile Theatre of Assam, many one-act plays; a few of his famous plays include Kolahal, Durbhiksha, and Itihaas, which received appreciation from foreign forces. His other plays are Mahaaranya, Paandulipi, Monikut, Gahbor, Amrit, Digambar, Brindabon, etc.

His feature films are Sandhya Raag, Anirban, Agnisnaan, Kolahal, Sarothi, Abartan, and Itihaas. All eight films were premiered at the biggest International Film Festivals like Cannes, Madras, New Delhi, Nantes, etc. Novels written by Bhabendra are Antarip, Ramyabhumi, and Atankar Shekhot. Bhabendra has also written some well-known books like The Hour Before Dawn, Srinkal, Dear Father, Maramar Dutta, Last Rites, and Other Stories, Fetters, Shrunkal, Akash, etc. 

In honor of his excellent service to Indian literature, Bhabendra was awarded the highest Indian literary award, the Sahitya Academy Award, and was also acknowledged for the fourth highest civilian award in India, the Padma Shri Award. He was also granted the National Film Award for Best Screenplay and many other literary awards. His works were translated into many languages such as Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Marathi, etc.

Bhabendra knew the pain of lack of resources, and that’s why he opened Arohan Trust in Guwahati to offer free training to children interested in art, theatre, music, etc. Unfortunately, the man with a golden heart took his last breath on 13 August 2003 in Guwahati, Assam. He was living with his wife, Preeti Shukla Preeti Shukla is mainly an Indian Television serie >> Read More... , and two daughters. Assam Government paid him tribute by naming a road in Guwahati in his name. Bhabendra has made our country proud, and the purity of his work will last till infinity.