Dr. Bhabendra Nath Saikia

Dr. Bhabendra Nath Saikia

Dr. Bhabendra Nath Saikia (20 February 1932 – 13 August 2003) was one of the most iconic literary and artistic minds in Assam. A Sahitya Akademi and Padma Shri awardee, he was not only a prolific novelist, short story writer, and editor, but also a renowned physicist, film director, and childrenS literature advocate. His multidimensional contributions elevated Assamese literature and cinema to national and global recognition.

Born in Fouzdaripatti, Nagaon, Dr. Saikia exhibited brilliance from a young age. He passed matriculation in 1948 and completed his B.Sc. in Physics (Honours) from Cotton College (1952). He then earned his M.Sc. in Physics from Presidency College, followed by a Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics from the University of London and a Diploma from Imperial College, London (1961). He served as a Reader in Physics at Gauhati University and played a key role in developing Assamese-language science textbooks.

Literary Contributions:

Dr. Saikia made his literary debut with short stories that redefined Assamese fiction. His writing style, marked by emotional depth and societal realism, resonated deeply with readers. He authored 29 books, including:

  • "Shringkhal"

  • "Banaprastha"

  • "Gahbar"

  • "Antareep"

  • "Jivan Britta" (Autobiography, 2000)

His short stories, plays, and novels remain celebrated for their psychological insight and cultural depth. He also edited the popular Assamese literary magazine "Prantik" and revived the children's journal "Sofura".

Cinematic Achievements:

From 1977 to 1999, Dr. Saikia directed eight feature films, including seven in Assamese and one in Hindi. All his films were adaptations of his literary works, and they earned both national and international acclaim.

Key Films:

  • Sandhyaraag (1977)

  • Agnisnan

  • Kolahal

  • Anirban

  • Abartan

  • Sarathi

  • Kaalsandhya (1999)

His debut film Sandhyaraag was the first Assamese film to be selected for the Indian Panorama section of the International Film Festival of India, and it also made its mark at global festivals such as Cannes, Montreal, Toronto, Karlovy Vary, and Nantes.

Through his films, Dr. Saikia not only elevated Assamese cinema but also proved that impactful storytelling could flourish despite a lack of infrastructure. His ability to translate his literary vision to celluloid earned him the reputation of having a "Midas touch."

Theatre, Radio, and Cultural Impact:

Dr. Saikia also made significant contributions to radio plays, mobile theatre, and children's drama. He popularized mobile theatre in Assam, setting a new benchmark in Assamese performing arts. As a member of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, he was influential in shaping the performing arts landscape.

He founded the Aarohan Trust in Guwahati using the prize money from the Assam Valley Literary Award, offering free training in art, theatre, and music to underprivileged children — a true testament to his commitment to nurturing talent.

Awards and Recognitions:

  • Padma Shri (2001) – Government of India

  • Sahitya Akademi Award (1976)

  • Assam Valley Literary Award (1990 – Inaugural Recipient)

  • Srimanta Sankardeva Award (1998 – Govt. of Assam)

  • Publication Board Assam Award (1973)

  • Kamal Kumari National Award (2000)

  • D.Litt. (Honoris Causa) – Dibrugarh University (2001)

  • Surendra Nath Paul Lifetime Achievement Award (1999 – Calcutta)

  • Bangiya Sahitya Parishad Medal (1981)

Legacy:

Dr. Bhabendra Nath Saikia passed away on 13 August 2003 in Guwahati, leaving behind a lasting legacy of excellence in literature, cinema, and education. In his memory, the Government of Assam named a road and instituted a state-level award in his honor.

His institution Aarohan continues to train children in the arts and preserve his mission.

Contact Address of Aarohan:

Aarohan Trust
Dr. Bhabendra Nath Saikia Road, Basisthapur, Guwahati - 781028, Assam
Phone: +91-361-2231022
Email: aarohan_ghy@sify.com