Eminent Bengali writer Buddhadeb Guha dies at 85

Kolkata

Eminent Bengali writer Buddhadeb Guha, author of manynotable works such as `Madhukari' (Honey Gatherer), has died. He was 85. Guhadied of post-Covid complications at a private hospital here at 11.25 pm onSunday after a massive cardiac arrest, family members said.

The writer, whose works of fiction reflected his closeness to nature andforests of eastern India, had been hospitalised earlier this month aftercomplaining of breathlessness and urinary infection, they said.  He had earlier contracted COVID-19 in Apriland was hospitalised for 33 days.

"Buddhadev Guha is no more. He was blessed as to be one with the Divine onthe night of Janmashtami (Lord Krishna's birthday) 2021. Do join his family andfriends in celebrating his life," his elder daughter Maleni B Guhaa saidin a social media message.

Guha was predeceased by wife, eminent Rabindra Sangeet exponent Ritu Guha in2001. He leaves behind two daughters.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condoled the demise of Guha,describing him as one of the foremost writers in Bengali literature whose deathwill leave a void. Buddhadeb Guha will be remembered for Koeler Kachhe',Kojagar', Ektu Usnotar Jonyo', Madhukari', Jangalmahal', Choroibeti' and otherbooks. He is the creator of two popular fictional characters in Bengaliliterature Ribhu and Rijuda," Banerjee said in a condolence message. Sheoffered her condolences to the bereaved family and his countless readers.

Born on June 29, 1936 in Kolkata, Guha had spent his childhood in Rangpur andBarisal districts of East Bengal (now Bangladesh). His childhood experiencesand travels left a deep imprint on him, which were reflected in his works lateron.

His novels and short stories have been highly acclaimed by critics, winning himfans across the sub-continent and several awards, including Ananda Purashkar in1976, Shiroman Purashkar and Sharat Puraskar. The writer's important worksbesides `Madhukari', include `Koeler Kachhe' (Near the Koel river) and `SobinoyNibedon' (Humble Offering).

An award-winning Bengali film 'Dictionary' was also made based on two of hisworks - `Baba Howa' (Being a Father) and `Swami Howa' (Being a Husband).

He was a popular children's writer, too, creating the fictional characterRijuda, a hunter-turned-conservationist and his side-kick Rudra.

Rupa Majumdar, Editor of Nabakallol and Shuktara magazines and director ofpublishing house Dev Sahitya Kutir, whose magazine recently serialised Guha'schildhood memories in story form, said, He was a colossus, a literary starpeople used to come just to watch him when he would visit our stall at any bookfair. His books, some of which we published, were all best-sellers.

Added Sabitendranath Roy, author, publisher and a friend of Guha, He was agreat writer and good friend. We used to enjoy his `addas' (conversations).Whenever we met, our chats always ended with him singing... he was god-giftedin many ways.

Majumdar said it was the duty of the publishing world and his heirs to haveGuha's works translated into other languages including English so that theworld at large realises his genius, which is so well recognised in Bengaliliterature .

A successful charted accountant, Guha was also a noted classical singer and aproficient illustrator.