The matchless Genius

By Priyanka Chakrabarty: Following is the verse from the pen of a living legend Mr. Abanindra Bora, a lieratteur, poet, and lyricist, astrologer from his poetry, lyricist, and astrologer from his poetry collection namely ‘Anuradha—Tumar Karone, a poem dedicated to mother earth.

Ei Sobikhon
Akisilu Tumar Karone
Dim dm Buli Keo
Xeidina Dibo Nowatilu
Xomoi Nohol
Majote Eikhon Kio Janu
Kheli Meli Hol

A versatile genius, he was born in Nagaon on 23 November, 1930 to Shri Mahichanda Bora and Smt Gyanabala Bora.

“I have drawn my initial inspiration from my parents” says Mr Bora recalling back his toddler days. He studied in Nagaon Primary School and Govt.High School in Nagaon. As they say, childhood shows the man as morning shows the day, Mr. Bora has shown ardent interest in as a poet, story and prose writer. He confesses that as a student he was average but never lagging behind. He has completed his Master Degree in Assamese and also secured Probodh in Hindi.

His first poem was published in a magazine called Abahon, namely Paharir Gorbhot, when he was in eighth standard. He has sent this poem through post. The publication of this poem was very encouraging for her. While still in ninth standard, his first poetry collection, Dhuli, was published in 1949. The preface of this collection was written by many eminent literary figures like Tragic Poet Raghunath Choudhury, Jnanpith winner Shree Birendranath Bhattacharjee, Shri Navakanta baruah Kamalananda Bhattacharjee, Shree Kanak Sen Deka and a host of other eminent .

As a student Mr Bora lived in company of friends namely Dr. Bhanvendranath Saikia, Dr Lakhiminanada Bora, Dr Mahim Bora and the like.

There will be no news journal either new or old might not be present where his writings are not published. In Ramdhenu, Jayanti, Samaj etc. his more than 30 stories were published.

As a lyricist, his name received more accolade in All India Radio. But, he said that this is now gone long back in past 1952. He recalls that those were the beautiful days. His lyrics were sung by leading singers of Assam during that time like Xewali Devi, Jyotirmoi Kakoti, Dr Birendranath Dutta etc. Many songs were also recorded.

His working life started as a Lecturer in Nowgong Girls’ College, Nagaon. Then he worked as Assam Govts. Information and Public Relation Officer. He has worked as Chief Executive in Akashvani for Goya Radiochora, Rural Radio Programme. He retired as an Editor of Janasiksha. He was retired from his job in1991.

His most famous literary works include Dhooli( Poetry Collection,1949), Satirtha(Life sketch, 1959), Krishak Kamal(Fiction, 1973), Anuradha Tumar Karone( Poetry collection, 2003), Sahityat Satyam Shiva Sundar, Prose, 2003, Chintan aru Manan(Prose, 2003).

His editorial Journey began with Janasiksha Sampadana from 1969-1981, Kalpurush 1981-1991, Daivya Shakta-1985-1989, Neelakantha !994.

The books that he edited include Chakra Chayan(1973) and Kavikantha(1981).

He has made an unprecedented effort to translate major work of Hindi Literature like those of Mahadevi Verma, Nirala, Premchand into Assamese to introduce it our literary fibre.

His interest always remained in literature, astrology, philosophy, arts, and social issues.

For astrology, he has secured immense fame. His major astrological books include Hasta rekhat Pronnoy aru Vivaha(1974), Shanigraha aru apunar Bhagya(1979), Apunar hathe apunar Bhaigya(2003), Jeevan Aru Jyotish(2003).

He has received far and wide fame for his astrological works. This includes Antarjatik Mahamahopadhyaya( Gujarat), 1985. In National level, he has received Jyotish Saraswati(Orrisa), 1985, Jyotish Bhaskar( Rajasthan), 1987.

It is undoubtable that he is the only literary symbol who has taken astrology, poetry, fiction together and doing equal justice to all of them.

Among other awards he has received Kalpadrom Kavi Mahiyan, 1998, Kavi Ratna,2001 Manjuri Mohia, 2003. He has started receiving Literary Pension since 1998.Apart from that he was the working member of Axom Sahitya Sabha(1972-1973) and also vice present Axom kavi Sammelan. He was also invited as a speaker overseas in USA, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Yes, his achievements are as vast as sea itself. The more you talk with him, the more you will understand his greatness. He is very down to earth and simply. In ancient India, our ancestors said that a person with real knowledge is always like a tree loaded with fruits who is always at the reach of common man. Similar feeling you will get while you meet him.

He believes that that the role of his family is always been commendable. He was married to renowned writer herself, Smt Phool Bora. ‘Literature was the main reason for our meeting. Our marriage was fully approved by both families.”

Smt. Phool Bora was herself a writer since her student life. She has worked as a Programme Executive in All India Radio since 1965 till 1997. She writes novel and received many awards for her works of literature like Assam sahitya sabha’s Basanti Bordoloi Award and Assam Lekhika Xibu Xahitya Award

The couple asserts that it was the compatability, co-operation that inspired us for the literary journey together. Such matchless and priceless compatibility can be understood when Bora said that there was a day when six books together was inaugurated, three of Mr Bora and three of Mrs. Bora.

They have three children, one daughter and two sons who are married and well settled in life.

Finally to new generation writers he says that literature and editing journalism combination is a good thing. He has seen upliftment among many writers. Though they should pay more attention to content formation. He also says that the new generation poets works really mesmerize him. “Collectively in Assamese literature, her future is very bright and prosperous. For all times in literature there exists three pillars—Intuition, Human Appeal and Universal Appeal. Only then Assamese Literature can establish itself in world literature’

To quote him:

Ejon Notun Kali Das Lage
Aharor eta din
Ahe aru jaye
Uri fura megh bure
Tumalo monot pelaye
He kavi kalidas
Keneke Pahuru tumak
Tumi aasa barixat
Tumi aasa vinodia vishwa prokritit
Tumi aasa kavyamodi
Protijon manuhor manosh xantat