Guwahati: Eminent Assamese composer, lyricist, and educator Lakshyahira Das passed away on Saturday due to age-related ailments, her family confirmed. She was 94 years old and is survived by three sons.
A retired professor from the erstwhile Cotton College, Das was a pioneering figure in Assam’s cultural and literary landscape.
In 1948, while still a student at college, she became the first female artist to receive All India Radio’s approval as a lyricist, composer, and singer, marking the beginning of her illustrious career. Over the years, Das composed more than 2,000 songs and wrote lyrics for many prominent Assamese singers. She also lent her voice to numerous tracks, leaving an indelible mark on the state’s music scene.
Das was a prolific author, having penned over 50 books that include poetry, children’s stories, short stories, translations, and works on education. She was a member of several esteemed literary and cultural organizations, including the Sahitya Akademi, Authors Guild of India, Poetry Society of India, and Asam Sahitya Sabha.
Her contributions to Assam’s cultural heritage earned her numerous awards from the state government and other socio-cultural bodies. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his condolences, stating that Das will always be remembered for her invaluable role in enriching the state’s cultural and literary heritage. “She worked tirelessly for the empowerment of women and her works will inspire generations to come,” he wrote on X.
Union Ports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also paid tribute to the legendary artist, calling her voice “mesmerizing” and acknowledging her tremendous contribution to Assam’s cultural and educational fields. “Baideu’s invaluable contribution to Assam’s cultural and educational fields will always be remembered,” he said in a statement, extending his condolences to her family and admirers.
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