Nabakanta Barua

Nabakanta Barua

Nabakanta Barua, popularly known by his pen name Ekhud Kokaideu, was a legendary figure in modern Assamese literature. Born on December 29, 1926, in Guwahati, Assam, to Nilakanta Barua, a school inspector, and Swarnalata Baruani, his literary contributions span poetry, novels, short stories, essays, children's literature, and plays.

His early life saw him move from Upper Assam to Puranigudam and eventually to Nagaon. Barua began his education in a local school and later joined Nagaon Government Boys School, completing his matriculation in 1941. Although he joined Cotton College, he had to pause due to illness. In 1943, he joined Shantiniketan in West Bengal, and completed his B.A. in English Honours in 1947, followed by M.A. from Aligarh Muslim University in 1953.

Barua's teaching career began in Uttar Pradesh at A.K. College, Sokohabad, but he soon returned to Assam, serving at Jagannath Barooah College, and later Cotton College, where he retired as Vice Principal in 1984. He also worked as an English Education Officer at the Assam Madhyamik Shiksha Parisod.

As a poet, Nabakanta Barua authored numerous acclaimed collections including Ratnakar, Jati Aru Keitaman Sketch, Mur Aaru Prithivir, Dalangat Tamighora (2000), and Selected Poems (in English). His literary prowess earned him the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1975 for Kokadeutar Har and the Padma Bhushan in 1976 for his contribution to literature and education.

His novels include:

  • Kapilipariya Sadhu (1953) – translated into 14 Indian languages by the National Book Trust (NBT)

  • Kokadeutar Har (1973)

  • Garama Kunwari (1980)

  • Manuh Ataibor Dweep (1980)

  • Apadartha (1981)

  • Patachara

In addition to poetry and novels, he was a pioneer in children’s literature in Assamese at a time when the genre was underdeveloped. Notable children’s books include:

  • Shiyalee Palegoi Ratanpur (1956)

  • Akharar Jhakhala (1958)

  • Hat Ukare Hu (1960)

  • Kishore Ramayan (1987)

  • Kishore Upanishad

  • Umala Gharar Puthi

Barua also made significant contributions to drama, writing four plays: Eti Geetar Janma Hal, Sukh Jatak, Abhirupananda, and Patachara. He edited two children’s magazines, Jonbai (1950–1962) and Pohar (1969–1970), and founded the literary-cultural magazine Sirolu, later republished as Natun Sirolu (1983–1985).

Among his widely recited and critically acclaimed poems are:

  • Polokh

  • Monot Porne Arundhati

  • Norokot DonJuan

  • Crussot DonJuan

He was elected President of Asam Sahitya Sabha twice – in Dhing (1968) and again at Biswanath Chariali (1990) – a recognition of his towering presence in Assamese literary circles.

Major Awards Received by Nabakanta Barua:

  • 1974: Assam Prakashan Parisod Award for Mur Aaru Prithibir

  • 1975: Sahitya Akademi Award for Kokadeutar Har

  • 1976: Padma Bhushan (Literature & Education)

  • 1993: Assam Valley Literary Award

  • Also honored with the Soviet Land Nehru Award, Kabir Samman, among others

Nabakanta Barua is often credited, along with Amulya Barua and Hem Barua, for leading the renaissance of modern Assamese poetry. His literary journey began during the Second World War and flourished in the post-independence era.

He passed away on July 14, 2002, leaving behind a vast legacy of 39 published works, immortalizing his name in the annals of Assamese literature.