Lakshminath Bezbaruah

Lakshminath Bezbaruah, a trailblazer in modern Assamese literature, holds a revered position in Indian letters. Recognized by the Sahitya Akademi as a key figure in shaping modern Indian literature, Bezbaruah was born in 1868 into a prominent family in Assam. His early education took place in Sibsagar, with further studies in Calcutta.

His marriage to a niece of the renowned poet Tagore, though an unusual inter-provincial alliance at the time, reflected his deep connections across regions. Despite frequent absences from Assam, Bezbaruah remained closely attuned to events at home.

A man of many talents, he excelled as a journalist, lecturer, poet, and especially as a writer. Through his monthly periodical “Banhi,” which he both edited and published, Bezbaruah set a high literary standard. His repertoire encompassed plays, stories, poems, humorous sketches, and literary criticism, with his plays perhaps showcasing his finest literary expression.

Among his notable works is the poem “O’mor Apponar Desh,” which has become one of Assam’s most renowned songs. Bezbaruah injected new life into Assam’s literary tradition and forged new horizons.

Throughout his life, Bezbaruah received numerous honors and accolades. He presided over significant gatherings such as the All-Assam Students’ Conference in 1921 and the Guahati session of the Assam Sahitya Sabha in 1924. His contributions to the Vaishnavite religious revival in Assam were also recognized through invitations to deliver lectures on the subject.

In 1938, Bezbaruah passed away at the age of seventy, shortly after returning to Assam permanently. His legacy as both a literary luminary and a distinguished leader of modern Assam endures. As the centenary of his birth is commemorated, the Posts and Telegraphs Department proudly honors this great son of Assam and India by issuing a special postage stamp, celebrating his enduring contributions to literature and society.