DIBRUGARH, Oct 15 - The eminent yesteryears writer, novelist and journalist Dr Birendra Kumar Bhattacharyya was recalled on Wednesday during a memorial lecture at Rangghar auditorium of the Dibrugarh University on the occasion of his 91st birth anniversary.
The lecture event, supported by Oil India Limited, was jointly organised by Dr B K B Memorial Trust and Centre for Studies in Journalism and Mass Communications, Dibrugarh University. The lecture was presided over by Professor Karabi Deka Hazarika.
Dr Bhattacharyya, a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award was the first-ever recipient of the Jnanpith Award given to an Assamese writer. He is also known to be one of the pioneers of modern Assamese literature.
He wrote several books and novels. Among his books, two best notable works include Mrityunjoy and Iyaruingom. Dr Bhattacharyya was also the president of Asam Sahitya Sabha. He was associated with the Dainik Assam, an daily Assamese newspaper of The Assam Tribune Group.
By dint of his works, he was elevated to the post of president of Sahitya Akademi and member of Press Council of India.
Delivering the lecture on Dr Birendra Kumar Bhattacharyya as a writer and journalist, noted educationist and litt�rateur Dr Nagen Saikia, said that the Jnanpith Award recipient exuded dedication and commitment to his works. �He never craved for a government job, despite knowing that a graduate would be absorbed anywhere during those days. He had made up his mind to earn by writings,� Dr Saikia said.
Among various eminent writers, Dr Nagen Saikia said that he admired the works of Jyoti Prasad Agarwalla and Dr Dr Birendra Kumar Bhattacharyya the most. He said that he drew immense inspiration and motivation from these two notable writers.
As Dr Bhattacharyya was born and brought up in Safrai Tea Estate, Dr Saikia said that the writer had seen sufferings of the people in the plantations and was also witness to the world wars and freedom struggle of the country. He said that as a journalist, Dr Bhattacharyya stood for truth and never compromised with ethics.
