Guwahati, 6th April: Renowned Assamese short story writer and Sahitya Akademi Award recipient, Dr. Pranabjyoti Deka, passed away on Saturday at the age of 84 in Guwahati. He breathed his last after battling illness during a four-day hospitalization at the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).
Dr. Deka’s literary legacy was celebrated with the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award, conferred upon him in December last year for his remarkable contribution to Assamese literature through his collection of short stories titled ‘Dr. Pranavjyoti Dekar Srestha Galpa’, published in 2021.
Known for his versatility, Dr. Deka excelled not only as a renowned short story writer but also as a novelist, researcher, dictionary writer, and professor. Born on July 21, 1939, in Kolkata, he left an indelible imprint on Assamese literature.
Earlier, Dr. Deka had been undergoing treatment in the ICU of Nemcare Hospital, Guwahati. His distinguished career spanned various literary genres, earning him reverence for his significant contributions to Assamese literature.
Hailing from a distinguished family background, with his father, Haliram Deka, serving as the first Assamese judge, Dr. Deka embarked on his intellectual journey through education at renowned institutions such as Cotton College and Banaras Hindu University. He earned his Master’s degree in Geology from Banaras Hindu University in 1961 and later pursued a Doctorate in Economic Geology from the Leningrad School of Mines, showcasing his academic excellence and dedication to scholarly pursuits.
In 1966, Dr. Deka commenced his illustrious career at the Department of Geology at Gauhati University as a professor, where he shared his knowledge and inspired countless students throughout his tenure.
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