MadhurjyaDr. Bhabendra Nath Saikia, born on February 20, 1932, in the Fouzdaripatti area of Nagaon, Assam, was an exceptional scholar, writer, filmmaker, physicist, and cultural visionary. With a remarkable career spanning literature, cinema, and academics, he became one of Assam’s most celebrated personalities.
Academic Excellence and Early Life
Dr. Saikia excelled academically from a young age.
- He completed his matriculation in 1948 and the Intermediate in Science in 1950, securing first division in both.
- He graduated with honors in Physics from Cotton College, Gauhati University, in 1952.
- Pursued postgraduate studies at Presidency College, Calcutta University.
- In 1961, he earned a Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics and a diploma from the Imperial College of Science & Technology, London.
He later taught at Sibsagar College and as a Reader at Gauhati University, gaining immense respect as a physics educator.
Contributions to Assamese Literature
Dr. Saikia revolutionized Assamese fiction with his short stories and novels. His works, such as Shringkhal, Banaprastha, Gahbar, and Antareep, are known for their intricate detailing and emotional depth. A pioneer in modern Assamese literature, he masterfully combined realism and simplicity in his storytelling.
- He authored 29 books, including his autobiography Jivan Britta, which he completed in 2000.
- His children’s literature is unparalleled in Assamese literary history.
Cinematic Achievements
Dr. Saikia was a visionary filmmaker who transformed Assamese cinema, proving that quality films could be made despite limited resources. Between 1977 and 1999, he directed 8 films, including:
- Sandhyaraag (1977)
- Agnisnan (1985)
- Kolahal (1988)
- Sarathi (1991)
- Kalsandhya (1999)
Notably, his films were adaptations of his literary works, showcasing his ability to translate written narratives into visual masterpieces.
- Sandhyaraag was the first Assamese film included in the Indian Panorama section of the International Film Festival of India and was screened at prestigious global festivals like Cannes, Montreal, and Toronto.
- Dr. Saikia’s films received critical acclaim for their artistic depth and social relevance.
Role in Assamese Media and Theatre
- Dr. Saikia was the founding editor of the popular Assamese magazine Prantik and the children’s magazine Sofura.
- He modernized Assamese mobile theatre, giving it a professional edge through rich scripts and refined direction.
Social Initiatives
Having experienced poverty in his early years, Dr. Saikia dedicated himself to social causes. He established the Aarohan Trust in Guwahati to provide free training in art, theatre, and music to underprivileged children. This initiative has left an enduring impact on Assam’s cultural landscape.
Honors and Recognition
Dr. Saikia’s contributions earned him numerous accolades, including:
- Sahitya Akademi Award (1976)
- Padma Shri (2001)
- Srimanta Sankardeva Award (1998)
- Assam Valley Literary Award (1990)
- Kamal Kumari National Award (2000)
In 2001, Dibrugarh University awarded him the D.Litt, honoris causa, for his outstanding contributions.
Legacy
Dr. Saikia passed away on August 13, 2003, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire. In his honor:
- A road in Guwahati is named after him.
- The Assam Government established a state award in his memory.
Dr. Saikia’s life exemplifies the power of dedication, intellect, and creativity. His works in literature, cinema, and social service remain a beacon of inspiration for students and future generations alike.
Contact Address of Aarohan:
- Address: Aarohan, Dr. Bhabendra Nath Saikia Road, Basisthapur, Guwahati – 781028, Assam
- Phone: +91-0361-2231022
- Email: [email protected]
FAQ’s:
Q 1. Who was Dr. Bhabendra Nath Saikia?
Dr. Bhabendra Nath Saikia was a renowned Assamese novelist, filmmaker, physicist, editor, and social reformer, known for his contributions to Assamese literature, cinema, and education.
Q 2. What are Dr. Bhabendra Nath Saikia’s most famous literary works?
Some of his most notable works include Shringkhal, Banaprastha, Gahbar, Antareep, and his autobiography Jivan Britta.
Q 3. What films were directed by Dr Bhabendra Nath Saikia?
He directed eight films, including Sandhyaraag, Agnisnan, Kolahal, Sarathi, Itihas, Abartan, and Kalsandhya.
Q 4. Which awards did Dr Bhabendra Nath Saikia receive during his lifetime?
He received prestigious awards such as the Sahitya Akademi Award (1976), Padma Shri (2001), Srimanta Sankardeva Award (1998), and the Assam Valley Literary Award (1990).
Q 5. What was Dr Bhabendra Nath Saikia’s educational background?
He completed his Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics from the University of London in 1961 and earned a diploma from the Imperial College of Science & Technology.
Q 6. What was Dr. Saikia’s role in Assamese cinema?
Dr. Saikia is considered a pioneer of Assamese cinema, taking it to national and international platforms. His films are known for their artistic depth and were often adaptations of his literary works.
Q 7. What is Aarohan Trust, and why did Dr. Saikia establish it?
The Aarohan Trust, established by Dr. Saikia, provides free training in art, theatre, and music to underprivileged children. It was funded using his Assam Valley Literary Award prize money.
Q 8. What was Dr Bhabendra Nath Saikia’s contribution to Assamese theatre?
Dr. Saikia modernized Assamese mobile theatre with rich scripts and innovative direction, significantly elevating its standard.
Q 9. What are some notable achievements of Dr. Saikia in the field of education?
Dr. Saikia contributed to Assamese education by producing college-level textbooks in the Assamese language and teaching as a Reader in Physics at Gauhati University.
Q 10. How has Dr Bhabendra Nath Saikia’s legacy been honored?
A road in Guwahati is named after him, and the Assam Government established a state award in his memory. Additionally, his Aarohan Trust continues to support children in creative fields.
Neha Baruah
Madhurjya
