The English Department at Gauhati University is set to host the 3rd Homen Borgohain Memorial Lecture on November 5 at 11 am in the Phanidhar Datta Seminar Hall. The lecture will be delivered by Sanjoy Hazarika, a respected journalist, writer, and human rights activist.
Background of Homen Borgohain
- Early Life and Education: Born on December 7, 1932, in Dhakuwakhana, Lakhimpur, Assam, Borgohain completed his school education at Dibrugarh Government Boys’ Higher Secondary School and later attended Cotton College for further studies.
- Career Change: Initially joining the Assam Civil Service in 1955, he chose to leave it in 1968 to pursue journalism as a full-time career.
- Personal Life: Married Nirupama Tamuli in 1958; the couple separated in 1977.
- Journalism Contributions:
- Edited Assamese weeklies Nilachal and Nagarik.
- Served as the editor-in-chief for Amar Asom (2003-2015) and later Niyomiya Barta (2015 until his death).
- Passing: Borgohain passed away on May 12, 2021, due to complications from COVID-19 at age 88.
- Collaborative Work: Alongside his wife Nirupama Borgohain, he co-wrote the novel Puwar Purobi Sandhyar Bibhash, a unique joint creation in Assamese literature.
Writing Career and Key Works
- Recognition and Awards:
- Won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1978 for his novel Pita Putra.
- Returned this award in 2015 as a protest against the increasing intolerance in society.
- Contribution to Assamese Literature: Served as the President of Assam Sahitya Sabha between 2001 and 2002.
- Significant Novels:
- Pita Putra
- Xaudor Puteke Nau Meli Zay
- Halodhiya Soraye Bau Dhan Khay
- Ostorag
- Timir Tirtha
- Motsyogondha
- Autobiographies:
- Atmanuxondhan
- Mur Xangbadik Ziwan
- Dhumuha Aru Ramdhenu
- Mur Hridoy Ekhon Zudhyokhetro
- Film Adaptation: The Assamese film Halodhiya Charaye Baodhan Khai, based on one of his works and directed by Jahnu Barua, won the National Award for Best Film in 1988.
- Non-Fiction Titles:
- Godyor Xadhona
- Manuh Huwar Gaurab
- Progyar Xadhona
- Ussakangkhya
Honors and Accolades
- Literary Awards:
- Received the Sahitya Akademi Award for Pita Putra.
- Awarded the Assam Valley Literary Award, Nilamoni Phukan Award, Srimanta Sankardev Award, and Matshendra Natha Award.
- Posthumous Tributes:
- The Assam Government declared December 7th, his birth date, as a day for awarding a literary prize and a pension to select Assamese writers in Borgohain’s memory.
- In 2021, 23 writers were honoured with this award.
