Life & Legacy
Born in October 1912 in Ulabari village of present-day Nalbari district, Assam, Kakati completed his early education at Kamrup Academy, an institution closely associated with Assam's nationalist movement. During his student years at Cotton College, Guwahati, he actively participated in India's freedom struggle. He opposed the controversial Cunningham Circular, which restricted student participation in nationalist activities, and was imprisoned for his involvement. He also emerged as one of the founding secretaries of the Assam University League, which campaigned for establishing a separate university for Assam.
Satish Chandra Kakati began his professional career in education as the founding Headmaster of Gangapukhuri High School in 1936. Later, he joined Kamrup Academy as Assistant Headmaster before moving into journalism. His early experience included working with renowned publications such as Hindustan Standard, Anandabazar Patrika, and the Press Trust of India. He also served as Assistant Publicity Officer before joining The Assam Tribune in 1952 as Assistant Editor.
His journalistic career reached new heights when he became one of the founders of the Assamese weekly Asom Bani in 1955. The newspaper soon became one of Assam's most influential vernacular publications. In 1963, he assumed the role of Editor and successfully led the publication until his retirement in 1976. His balanced editorial approach, commitment to factual reporting, and dedication to public interest journalism earned him widespread respect throughout the country.
Apart from editing newspapers, Kakati made valuable contributions as a columnist, author, and academic. He regularly wrote for national publications, including The Statesman, served as a visiting faculty member at Gauhati University, and remained actively associated with the Assam Media Trust. He also held the prestigious position of Vice-President of the Editors' Guild of India, reflecting his influence in Indian journalism.
As an accomplished writer, Satish Chandra Kakati authored several important books in both Assamese and English. His works covered history, politics, biographies, international affairs, and Assamese society. Among his best-known publications is Discovery of Assam, which remains an important work for readers interested in Assam's heritage and development. His book Jawaharlal Nehru and Soviet Russia received the prestigious Soviet Land Nehru Award in 1976.
Throughout his career, Satish Chandra Kakati remained committed to ethical journalism, quality education, and literary development. His writings continue to inspire journalists, students, and researchers interested in the history of Assam and Indian media.
He passed away on 20 June 2006, leaving behind an enduring legacy as one of the finest journalists and editors produced by Assam. His lifelong service to journalism, literature, and public life continues to be remembered with great respect.
Major Achievements
- Padma Shri recipient in Literature and Education (1991).
- Senior Editor of The Assam Tribune.
- Co-founder of the Assamese weekly newspaper Asom Bani.
- Vice-President of the Editors' Guild of India.
- Freedom movement participant during student life.
- Founding Secretary of the Assam University League.
- Visiting Faculty at Gauhati University.
- Recipient of the Soviet Land Nehru Award (1976).
Awards and Recognition
- Padma Shri (1991) - Government of India.
- Soviet Land Nehru Award (1976).
- Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi Memorial Award (2004).
- Kanaklata Barua and Mukunda Kakati Memorial Award (2005).
Positions Held
- Editor, The Assam Tribune.
- Founding Editor, Asom Bani.
- Assistant Editor, The Assam Tribune.
- Vice-President, Editors' Guild of India.
- Visiting Faculty, Gauhati University.
- Founding Headmaster, Gangapukhuri High School.
- Assistant Headmaster, Kamrup Academy.
- Assistant Publicity Officer (Government Service).
Books Written
- Jeevanimala
- Jawaharlal Nehru and Soviet Russia
- Smriti Bichitra
- Hitlar Mussolina
- Discovery of Assam
- Bideshi Galpor Maukonh
- From Pandav Nagar to Jawahar
