Bard of sunshine dazzles in death

Famed Assamese poet Hiren Bhatta is no more. He passed away on Wednesday at Dispur Hospital where he was admitted last month following lungs infection. The end came at 11-30 in the morning in presence of his wife and daughter. Hiru-da penned at least 11 collections of poetry. Many of these poems turned into songs by Assamese singers. His famed Sugandhi Pokhila has been translated into English. Other anthologies of poems include Roudro Kamona Tumar Bahi, Moor Dekh, Bibhinno Dinor Kobita and Hoichor Pothar Manuh, Mur priyo Barnamala, Bhalpuwar Buka, Bhalpuwar Dikchou Batere. Bhattacharyya was honoured with the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1992 and Assam Valley Literary Award in 2000. Recipient of a number of honours, Bhattacharya had also edited several newspapers and magazines in his lifetime. His mortal remains would be consigned to flames at Nabagrana cremation ground on Thursday.