Life & Legacy
Born on 31 May 1956 in Dibrugarh, Assam, Dr. Surjya Kanta Hazarika was raised in a family deeply associated with literature and publishing. His father, Chandrakanta Hazarika, founded the renowned publishing house Bani Mandir, which became one of the leading publishing institutions in Northeast India. Growing up in such an environment inspired him to develop a lifelong interest in books, writing, journalism, and Assamese heritage.
Dr. Hazarika completed his early education in Dibrugarh and Digboi before pursuing higher studies in commerce. He obtained his B.Com from DHSK Commerce College and later earned an M.Com degree from Dibrugarh University. His passion for research led him to complete a Ph.D. from Mahapurush Srimanta Sankaradeva University. His doctoral research on the publication history of Assam-related books during the nineteenth century has become an important reference for scholars studying the evolution of Assamese literature and printing.
His professional journey began with the family publishing business, where he worked to preserve and promote Assamese literature. In 1987, he established Chandrakanta Press Pvt. Ltd., further strengthening the publishing industry in Assam. He later founded the Assamese daily newspaper Natun Dainik, which became widely recognized for its quality journalism. He also introduced several innovative newspapers and magazines, including Sandhya Batori, Chitra Sangbad, Khel Sangbad, and Bahniman. Throughout his journalism career, he edited numerous newspapers, literary journals, magazines, and commemorative publications that contributed significantly to Assamese media.
Dr. Surjya Kanta Hazarika has remained closely associated with the Asam Sahitya Sabha for several decades. Beginning as an active member in his youth, he served in different executive positions before being elected President of the Asam Sahitya Sabha for the 2022-2024 term. During his leadership, he focused on promoting Assamese literature globally, encouraging translation projects, supporting young writers, and strengthening literary institutions across Assam.
As an author and researcher, Dr. Hazarika has written and edited numerous books covering Assamese literature, publishing history, journalism, language, culture, religion, and heritage. Some of his important original works include Dr. William Carey, Atmaram Sarma Aru Asamiya Bhashar Pratham Chapa Grantha Dharmapustak, Asamor Jatiyo Sangeet Aru Itihaas, Anya Ek Dristikonere Sahityarathi Lakshminath Bezbarua, Sahityarathi Lakshminath Bezbaruar Sangbadikota, Unabingsha Satikat Prakashita Asomar Grantha Itihas, and Bhupendar Xoite Xannidhyar Kisu Mitha Sowaran. He has also edited several important publications, including Bhupen Hazarikar Geet Samagra, Moi Eti Jajabor, Adhunik Asamiya Biswakosh, Bhupen Hazarika Rachanawali, Books From Assam, and many illustrated editions of classical Assamese religious texts.
Apart from literature, Dr. Hazarika has made remarkable contributions to Assamese music and visual media. As an approved lyricist of All India Radio, he has written songs for television serials, documentaries, films, and devotional albums. His creative work extends to directing television serials such as Brikodar Baruar Biya, Nirmal Bhakat, Dhanya Nara Tanu Bhal, Tore More Alokore Jatra, Ananya Prantar, Maharathi, and Noi Boi Jai. He has also produced and directed numerous documentaries highlighting the lives and achievements of Srimanta Sankardeva, Lakshminath Bezbarua, Bishnu Prasad Rabha, Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, Jyotiprasad Agarwala, and other prominent personalities of Assam. His feature film Srimanta Sankardeva reflects his commitment to preserving the state's spiritual and cultural heritage.
Dr. Hazarika has also served in several leadership positions outside literature. He has been President of the All Assam Book Sellers and Publishers' Association, adviser to the All Assam Printers' Association, Chairman of Bani Mandir, Managing Director of Natun Dainik newspaper organization, and founder of Chandrakanta Press Pvt. Ltd. His efforts have greatly strengthened Assamese publishing, printing, and journalism.
His outstanding contributions have been recognized with numerous honours. The Government of India conferred the Padma Shri in 2008 for his exceptional service in Literature and Education. Over the years, he has received several literary, cultural, and academic recognitions for his contribution to Assamese language, journalism, publishing, research, and heritage conservation.
Dr. Surjya Kanta Hazarika continues to inspire generations of writers, researchers, journalists, publishers, and cultural enthusiasts. His work has preserved the literary history of Assam while encouraging innovation in publishing, media, and cultural documentation. His legacy remains an important chapter in the development of modern Assamese literature and cultural identity.
Positions Held
- President, Asam Sahitya Sabha (2022-2024)
- Executive Committee Member, Asam Sahitya Sabha (multiple terms)
- Assistant Secretary, Dibrugarh Sahitya Sabha
- President, All Assam Book Sellers and Publishers' Association
- Adviser, All Assam Printers' Association
- Chairman, Bani Mandir
- Chairman and Managing Director, Natun Dainik Newspaper Group
- Founder, Chandrakanta Press Pvt. Ltd.
- Editor of Natun Dainik
- Editor of Sandhya Batori
- Editor of Chitra Sangbad
- Editor of Khel Sangbad
- Editor of Bahniman
- Editor of Asam Sahitya Sabha Sangbad
- Editor of Asam Sahitya Sabha Patrika
- Associate Editor of Pratidhwani
Major Books Written
- Siku Aaha Nana Katha
- Dr. William Carey, Atmaram Sarma Aru Asamiya Bhashar Pratham Chapa Grantha Dharmapustak
- Asamor Jatiyo Sangeet Aru Itihaas
- Anya Ek Dristikonere Sahityarathi Lakshminath Bezbarua
- Sahityarathi Lakshminath Bezbaruar Sangbadikota
- Unabingsha Satikat Prakashita Asomar Grantha Itihas
- Bhupendar Xoite Xannidhyar Kisu Mitha Sowaran
Selected Edited Books
- Bhupen Hazarikar Geet Samagra
- Moi Eti Jajabor
- Bhupen Hazarika Rachanawali
- Adhunik Asamiya Biswakosh
- Books From Assam
- Dharmapustak (Reprint)
- A Catalogue of Manuscripts Preserved at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra
- The Wandering Minstrel Dr. Bhupen Hazarika
Major Awards and Honours
- Padma Shri (2008)
- Numerous literary, publishing and cultural honours from Assamese organizations for contributions to literature, journalism and education.
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