Rebati Mohan Dutta Choudhury - Popularly Known As Sheelabhadra

Rebati Mohan Dutta Choudhury - Popularly Known As Sheelabhadra

Rebati Mohan Dutta Choudhury (1924–2008), fondly known by his pen name "Sheelabhadra", was a distinguished Assamese writer, novelist, essayist, and thinker, whose powerful narratives and philosophical insight helped elevate modern Assamese literature.

With his mastery of fiction, essays, and critical thought, Choudhury is considered one of the most respected intellectual voices in post-independence Assamese literature. His works reflect a deep engagement with human psychology, existential dilemmas, and social transformation.

Early Life and Academic Career

Rebati Mohan Dutta Choudhury was born on February 11, 1924, in Golakganj, in the Dhubri district of Assam. A brilliant student, he studied mathematics at Presidency College, Kolkata, and began his career as a teacher and academician.

He worked in various educational institutions, including Cotton College and Gauhati University, and also served as a civil servant for a brief period. Despite his involvement in academics and administration, literature remained his true calling.

Literary Contributions

Choudhury's literary works span across novels, short stories, essays, and translations. Writing under the pseudonym “Sheelabhadra”, his style was known for its clarity, realism, and philosophical undertone.

Key Themes in His Writings:

  • Human suffering and resilience

  • The clash between tradition and modernity

  • Moral dilemmas and existential choices

  • Social and political introspection

Major Works Include:

  • “Madhupur Bahudur” – A critically acclaimed novel that won him the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1994

  • “Agomonir Ghat”

  • “Abichar”

  • “Samudrateer”

  • Collections of essays and short stories that explored deep philosophical questions in accessible language

His writings stood out for their intellectual depth, yet remained rooted in Assamese society and values.

Awards and Recognition

Rebati Mohan Dutta Choudhury received several accolades in recognition of his immense contributions to Assamese literature:

  • Sahitya Akademi Award (1994) for his novel Madhupur Bahudur

  • Soviet Nehru Award

  • Felicitations by the Asam Sahitya Sabha and various literary bodies

His works have been translated into multiple Indian languages and continue to be studied in academic and literary circles.

Legacy and Influence

Rebati Mohan Dutta Choudhury passed away in 2008, but his impact on Assamese literature remains profound. He is remembered as a true intellectual, whose writing combined literary excellence with philosophical inquiry.

His contribution lies not just in storytelling, but in stimulating critical thought and introspection through literature. He opened doors for serious fiction in Assamese that speaks to both the heart and the mind.

Conclusion

Rebati Mohan Dutta Choudhury, or Sheelabhadra, was a towering figure in Assamese literature — a writer, thinker, and educator who used the power of words to explore the human condition.

With the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award and a lifetime of literary contributions, he carved a unique space in the world of Indian regional literature.

For readers, scholars, and students seeking thoughtful, reflective, and socially aware writing, the works of Rebati Mohan Dutta Choudhury remain an enduring source of inspiration.