Guwahati, Oct 23: Birendra Nath Datta, an eminent Assamese academician, linguist, singer, and lyricist, passed away at the age of 88 on October 23. He breathed his last at the Dispur Hospital in Guwahati after battling a prolonged illness. The exact cause of his death has not been disclosed at this time.
Born on March 1, 1935, in Nagaon, Assam, Birendra Nath Datta was a prolific writer with a focus on folklore, culture, and literature. His academic career began as a lecturer at B Borooah College in 1957, and he went on to serve as the Principal of various colleges, including Pramathesh Barua College in Gauripur, Goalpara College, and Pandu College.
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In 1974, he obtained a PhD in folklore from Gauhati University. He retired from Gauhati University in 1995 but later accepted a position as a professor in the Department of Traditional Culture and Art Forms at Tezpur University upon request.
Throughout his career, Birendra Nath Datta made significant contributions to Assamese literature and culture. His work, “Sankar Madhavar Manisha Aru Asomar Sanaskritic Uttaradhikar,” earned him the 12th Jagaddhatri-Harmohan Das Literary Award.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Birendra Nath Datta was known for his musical talents. He was a gifted vocalist and songwriter, composing several popular Assamese songs. His multifaceted contributions enriched Assamese culture and left a lasting impact in various fields, from academia to the arts. His legacy will continue to be celebrated and remembered in Assam and beyond.
