AGARTALA, Dec 14 - Renowned folklorist and litterateur Padma Shri-awardee Beni Chandra Jamatia passed away in his ancestral home at Maharani in Gomati district at around 4 am today. He was 92 years old and survived by nine children. He was suffering from old-age illness for some time. As soon as the report of his death spread, a large number of people from all walks of life rushed to Maharani to attend his last rites.
Jamatia�s book Dormo Lam Bay, a Kokborok Baul was published by Kokborok Sahitya Sabha Karimani in 1992, which was later translated into English and titled The Path of Dharma. He also penned some devotional songs in Kokborok. Earlier last year, the Padma Shri was also conferred on eminent surgeon Rathin Datta, gymnast Dipa Karmakar, tennis player Som Dev Varman and folk music artiste Thanga Darlong from the state.
Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb in a condolence message described Beni Chandra Jamatia as pride of Tripura and his death a great loss for folk culture in the state and the country. He said Beni Chandra; a self- taught person, will remain alive forever through his creations.
