Birendra Nath Datta

Birendranath Datta (1 March 1935 – 23 October 2023) was an Indian academician, linguist, author, researcher of folklore, singer, and lyricist. During his career, he worked mainly as a professor in a variety of Assam colleges.[1][2] In 2009, he was awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award, for Literature and Education,[3] and in 2010 he received the Jagaddhatri-Harmohan Das Literary award. Datta was elected as the president of Asom Sahitya Sabha for the 2003 North Lakhimpur Session, and the 2004 Hojai Session.[4]

Birendranath Datta
Datta and his wife Ibha Barua
Born(1935-03-01)1 March 1935
Nagaon, Assam Province, British India
Died23 October 2023(2023-10-23) (aged 88)
Guwahati, Assam, India
Academic work
Main interestsFolklore
Notable worksCultural Contours of Northeast India

Early life

Birendra Nath Datta was born on 1 March 1935 in Nagaon, Assam to Kalpanath Datta, a school teacher, and Mandakini Datta. Their original home was in Panera village, near Baihata Chariali.

Datta started his education at Chenikuthi L.P. School in Guwahati and then studied in Goalpara. In 1933, Datta secured ranks among the top 10 in both Matriculation and I.Sc. examinations at Gauhati University. He earned his bachelor's degree at Viswabharati University and his master's degrees at Gauhati University, both in Economics.[1]

Career

In 1957, He started his career as a lecturer at B. Borooah College. In 1964, he joined Pramathesh Barua College at Gauripur in Lower Assam as the founder principal. He worked as the principal in two other colleges as well, Goalpara College and Pandu College.[1]

In 1974, he obtained his PhD degree in Folklore under the supervision of Prafulla Dutta Goswami.[1]

In 1979 he joined Gauhati University as a reader and later became the head of the Department of Folklore Research. After leaving Gauhati University in 1995 he joined Tezpur University as a professor in the department of Traditional Culture and Art Forms.[1]

Literary career

Datta also wrote a number of scholarly books. One of his books, Cultural Contours of Northeast India, was published by Oxford University Press.[2] For his book Sankar Madhavar Manisha Aru Asomar Sanaskritic Uttaradhikar, he won the 12th Jagaddhatri-Harmohan Das Literary award.[5]

Music career

Datta was also a singer and lyricist.[6] Songs written by him include "Monor Khobar", "Bahudin Bokulor Gondh Poa Naai", "Meli Dilo Man", "Rohimalaa Uronir Maajere", "Sou Sirish Daalat", "Tomaar Kaarane Jaau", "Aahinak Kone Anane", "Mou Daaponar", "Sita Banabaash", "Bogoli Bogaa Phot Di Ja", "Jilir Maate", "O Ghan Chirikaa", "Barashaa Tomaar", "Aakaashe Botaahe", and "Aakaash Aamaak Akani Aakaash Diya" He also sang songs for an Assamese language film, Smrtir Parash, which was directed by Brojen Barua.[6]

Death

Birendra Nath Datta died in Guwahati on 23 October 2023, at the age of 88.[7]

Awards

References
  1. "Music Not Solely For Entertainment". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
  2. "Cultural Contours of North-East India". Oxford University Press. Archived from the original on 12 March 2012. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
  3. "Padma awards 2009". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 13 March 2013.
  4. "List of Asam Sahitya Sabha presidents". Archived from the original on 29 January 2013. Retrieved 7 December 2012.
  5. "Dr Birendra Nath Datta conferred literary award". Assam Tribune. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
  6. "Birendranath Datta". srimanta.net. Archived from the original on 29 September 2013. Retrieved 7 April 2013.
  7. Assam: Eminent academician, singer and lyricist Birendra Nath Datta passes away at 88
  8. "Padma Awards Directory (1954–2009)" (PDF). Ministry of Home Affairs. Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 May 2013.
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