A Sea Of People Bids Tearful Farewell To Udayaditya Bharali At His Cremation

Assam today bid an emotional farewell to one of its most revered intellectuals, Professor Udayaditya Bharali, who passed away at the age of 79 in the early hours of Saturday. The eminent historian, Marxist thinker, and former Principal of Cotton College was cremated at the Bhootnath crematorium in Guwahati amidst an outpouring of tributes from admirers, well-wishers, and members of the academic and cultural fraternity.

Family members and close associates paid their final respects at the cremation, honouring a man whose fearless voice and unwavering commitment to rational thought left an indelible mark on Assam's public discourse. Sivasagar MLA and Raijor Dal chief Akhil Gogoi, was among those present to offer his condolences and stand in silent tribute to the departed scholar.

Among those who remembered Prof. Bharali at the funeral was Prakash Mahanta, Associate Editor of Asomiya Pratidin, who shared a moving recollection: “I first met him in 1992. He always stood firmly for discussions on human rights. Even when he had ideological differences with some, he stood united with many in the cause of Assamese identity. Through his ideals, he offered in-depth analysis of world history and tried to guide society with clarity and purpose.”

Born on September 1, 1947, in Sivasagar, Udayaditya Bharali was a towering figure in Assam’s academic and intellectual circles. He served in the Department of History at Cotton College from 1968 to 2003, and later as its Principal from 2003 to 2006. He was known not just for his academic brilliance, but for a profound moral courage that consistently challenged authoritarian narratives and inspired independent thought.

A staunch Marxist and outspoken public intellectual, Prof. Bharali engaged rigorously with Assam’s political, cultural, and human rights issues. His writings—deeply analytical yet accessible—resonated with generations of readers. His contributions to progressive journalism were recently recognised when the Parag Kumar Das Satirtha Mancha announced him as the recipient of the Parag Kumar Das Journalism Award 2025, a lifetime achievement honour that was to be presented at his residence in May this year.

Prof. Bharali’s voice was a cornerstone during the early years of Asomiya Pratidin, where his column “Pristhobhumir Saneki” offered incisive commentary on global affairs. He later continued to shape discourse on regional issues through his widely read column “Prasangik Pandulipi”. His writings also featured regularly in Sadin and Aagan, publications helmed by his longtime associate and late journalist Parag Kumar Das.

Beyond his academic and journalistic pursuits, Prof. Bharali was also a short story writer and a passionate sports organiser, whose unconventional yet deeply intellectual takes on sports earned him a unique place in Assamese sports literature.

He also played a leading role in organising the Parag Kumar Das Memorial Debate, a platform for critical thought and democratic dialogue established after Das’s assassination in 1996.

In recognition of his wide-ranging contributions to literature and civil society, Prof. Bharali was awarded the prestigious Bishnu Prasad Rabha Award by the Asam Sahitya Sabha in 1996.

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