Historian and Progressive Thinker Prof. Udayaditya Bharali Passes Away at 79

Renowned historian, Marxist thinker, and former Principal of Cotton College, Professor Udayaditya Bharali passed away at the age of 79 in the early hours of Saturday. He breathed his last around 3 AM at his residence in Dighalipukhuri, Guwahati.

Born on September 1, 1947, in Sivasagar, Prof. Bharali served the Department of History at the erstwhile Cotton College from 1968 to 2003. He later held the post of Principal of the institution from 2003 to 2006. Known for his fearless intellect and commitment to rational, progressive ideals, Prof. Bharali remained one of the most respected public intellectuals in Assam.

A staunch Marxist and outspoken academic, Prof. Bharali was deeply engaged in Assam’s political and cultural discourse. He was widely admired for his sharp critique of authoritarianism and his ability to inspire independent thought among his students and readers.

Reflecting on Prof. Bharali’s influence, Professor Dinesh Baishya, Head of the Centre for Indian and Indigenous Knowledge Systems at Assam Don Bosco University and one of his former students, wrote in a social media post:
"I once travelled with Sir to Dibrugarh by train. From dusk to noon the next day, he spoke without a pause—exploring history, politics, and society with unmatched clarity. It felt like listening to history come alive."

Earlier this year, in May 2025, the Parag Kumar Das Satirtha Mancha announced Prof. Bharali as the recipient of the Parag Kumar Das Journalism Award 2025, honouring his lifelong contribution to progressive journalism and public thought. The award was scheduled to be presented on May 18 at his residence.

Prof. Bharali was a prolific columnist whose writings helped shape socio-political discourse in Assam. During the formative years of Asomiya Pratidin, his column "Pristhobhumir Saneki" offered insightful commentary on global affairs. He later continued his incisive analysis of regional issues through the widely read column "Prasangik Pandulipi". His works also regularly featured in Sadin and Aagan, both edited by the late journalist Parag Kumar Das.

Apart from his academic and journalistic work, Prof. Bharali was a short story writer and a keen sports organiser. His unconventional yet deeply analytical writings on sports earned him a distinct place in Assamese sports literature.

For over two decades, he was also a chief organiser of the Parag Kumar Das Memorial Debate, an annual platform for intellectual exchange initiated after the journalist’s assassination in 1996.

In recognition of his contributions to literature and society, Prof. Bharali was conferred the Bishnu Prasad Rabha Award by the Asam Sahitya Sabha in 1996.

With his passing, Assam has lost one of its most fearless and influential minds — a teacher, writer, and public intellectual who remained committed to truth, equity, and progressive thought until his last breath.

Tributes continue to pour in from across the state as Assam bids farewell to a towering figure in its intellectual and cultural history.

Also Read:  Eminent Thinker Udayaditya Bharali Receives Parag Kumar Das Journalism Award