05/08/2025
Bhabananda Deka: Voice of Modern Assamese Thought
Bhabananda Deka (1929–2006) was a renowned Assamese poet, writer, economist, and cultural thinker whose contributions significantly shaped modern Assamese literature and academics. Known for blending lyrical beauty with deep philosophical reflection, his poetry captured the essence of Assamese identity and emotion during a time of cultural transformation.
As the first Assamese economist to write economics in the Assamese language, Deka made subjects like economics accessible to students in their mother tongue. His textbook Axomor Arthaneeti became foundational in Assamese academia and was included in the Gauhati University syllabus.
Deka was also an influential essayist and literary critic. He played a key role in promoting Assamese as a language of intellectual discourse and was deeply involved in the Asam Sahitya Sabha. Through his literary, academic, and cultural work, he bridged tradition with modernity and helped elevate Assamese voices in national and international spheres.
Bhabananda Deka’s legacy lives on as a pioneer who used language, literature, and knowledge to empower his people and preserve their cultural identity.
