Life & Legacy
Early Life
Lakshmi Nandan Bora was born on 15 June 1932 at Kujidah village in Hatichong, Nagaon district of Assam. He was born to Feturam Bora and Phuleswari Bora. Growing up in rural Assam, he closely observed village life, nature, agriculture, and traditional Assamese culture, which later became recurring themes in his literary works. His childhood experiences greatly influenced his imagination and writing style.
Education
Bora completed his early education at Bebejia Pandit Kanak Chandra Sharma High School before continuing his studies at Nagaon Government Higher Secondary Boys' School. He passed the matriculation examination in 1948. He graduated from Cotton College in 1952 and completed his Master's degree from the University of Calcutta in 1954. He later earned a doctorate in Meteorology, successfully combining scientific research with literary creativity throughout his career.
Career
Lakshmi Nandan Bora began his teaching career in 1955 as a lecturer in Physics at St. Anthony's College, Shillong. He later taught at Jagannath Barooah College, Nagaon College, and Cotton College before joining Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, where he served for several decades and eventually retired as Professor in 1992.
Apart from teaching, he participated in Indo-German scientific research projects and served as a visiting professor in Germany. He also chaired the Assam Pollution Control Board and worked briefly as the Jorhat correspondent of The Economic Times. Between 1992 and 1995, he edited the Assamese weekly Rongpur. Until his final years, he remained closely associated with the literary magazine Goriyoshi, encouraging young writers and promoting Assamese literature.
Literary Contributions
Lakshmi Nandan Bora emerged as a writer during the famous Ramdhenu literary movement. His first published short story introduced readers to his distinctive narrative style, and he later became one of the most respected novelists in Assam.
His novels are admired for their rich characterization, social realism, scientific outlook, and emotional depth. He skillfully blended literature with philosophy, history, culture, and environmental awareness. His celebrated novel Patal Bhairavi won the Sahitya Akademi Award, while Kayakalp received the prestigious Saraswati Samman. His novel Ganga Chiloni Pakhi was adapted into a successful Assamese film, introducing his literary work to a wider audience.
Books Written
Popular Novels
- Nishar Purabi
- Ganga Chiloni Pakhi
- Jakere Nahike Upam
- Patal Bhairavi
- Shikhar Surabhi
- Meghali Dupar
- Balukat Bijuli
- Uttar Purush
- Patan
- Nayak Adhinayak
- Matsyakanya
- Meghat Madal Baje
- Kayakalp
- Chaturanga
- Kanchiyalir Kuwoli
- Mon Mati Megh
- Gauri Rupak
- Nishiddha Chetana
- Dahan Dulori
- Akou Saraighat
Short Story Collections
- Drishtirupa
- Sei Sure Utala
- Gopan Godhuli
- Achin Koina
- Ei Rup Ei Chand
- Byatikram
- Dustar Karagar
- Preyasi
Autobiography
- Kal Balukat Khoj
Drama
- Mahe Gun Gun Kare
Travelogues
- Joralga Jarmanit
- Simar Paridhi Bhangi
Major Achievements
- One of the leading Assamese novelists and short story writers.
- Pioneer writer of the Ramdhenu literary generation.
- Authored more than sixty books across multiple literary genres.
- President of Assam Sahitya Sabha (1996).
- Editor of the literary magazine Goriyoshi.
- Professor at Assam Agricultural University.
- His novel Ganga Chiloni Pakhi was adapted into an acclaimed Assamese film.
- Recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award, Saraswati Samman, and Padma Shri.
Positions Held
- Lecturer, St. Anthony's College, Shillong
- Faculty Member, Jagannath Barooah College
- Faculty Member, Nagaon College
- Faculty Member, Cotton College
- Professor, Assam Agricultural University
- Visiting Professor in Germany
- Chairman, Assam Pollution Control Board
- Editor, Rongpur Weekly
- Editor, Goriyoshi Magazine
- President, Assam Sahitya Sabha (1996)
Awards and Recognition
Lakshmi Nandan Bora received several prestigious honours for his outstanding contribution to Indian and Assamese literature.
Awards received:
- Sahitya Akademi Award (1988) for Patal Bhairavi
- President, Assam Sahitya Sabha (1996)
- Saraswati Samman (2008) for Kayakalp
- Assam Valley Literary Award
- Padma Shri (2015)
Death
Lakshmi Nandan Bora passed away on 3 June 2021 due to complications related to COVID-19. His passing marked the end of an era in Assamese literature, but his novels and stories continue to inspire readers, researchers, and aspiring writers across Assam and India.
Legacy
Lakshmi Nandan Bora is remembered as one of the greatest literary figures produced by Assam. His ability to combine scientific thinking with creative storytelling gave Assamese literature a unique perspective. His novels remain widely read in educational institutions, while his editorial work helped shape generations of writers. His contribution to literature, education, and Assamese culture ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
FAQs about Lakshmi Nandan Bora
1. Who was Lakshmi Nandan Bora?
Lakshmi Nandan Bora was a renowned Assamese novelist, short story writer, academic, editor, and Padma Shri awardee who made remarkable contributions to Assamese literature.
2. When was Lakshmi Nandan Bora born?
He was born on 15 June 1932 at Kujidah village in Hatichong, Nagaon district, Assam.
3. Which is the most famous novel written by Lakshmi Nandan Bora?
His best-known novels include Patal Bhairavi, Ganga Chiloni Pakhi, Kayakalp, Nishar Purabi, and Gauri Rupak.
4. Which awards did Lakshmi Nandan Bora receive?
He received the Sahitya Akademi Award, Saraswati Samman, Assam Valley Literary Award, and the Padma Shri.
5. Why is Lakshmi Nandan Bora important in Assamese literature?
He is regarded as one of the finest Assamese novelists whose works portray Assamese society, culture, human emotions, and environmental awareness with exceptional literary excellence.
6. Was Lakshmi Nandan Bora associated with Assam Sahitya Sabha?
Yes. He served as the President of the Assam Sahitya Sabha during its Bokakhat session in 1996.
7. Which novel of Lakshmi Nandan Bora was adapted into a film?
His acclaimed novel Ganga Chiloni Pakhi was adapted into a successful Assamese feature film directed by Padum Barua.
8. What profession did Lakshmi Nandan Bora have besides writing?
He was a Professor of Physics at Assam Agricultural University, a researcher, editor, and academic administrator.
9. When did Lakshmi Nandan Bora pass away?
Lakshmi Nandan Bora passed away on 3 June 2021 due to COVID-19-related complications.
10. What is the legacy of Lakshmi Nandan Bora?
Lakshmi Nandan Bora is remembered as one of Assam's greatest literary figures whose novels, short stories, and editorial work continue to influence Assamese literature and inspire future generations.
