Noted poet Nilmani Phookan dies at 90

Guwahati: Celebrated poet Nilmani Phookan, the third poet from Assam to win the Jnanpith award, and one of the biggest names in modern Assamese literature, breathed his last at the Gauhati Medical College Hospital here on Thursday morning due to age-related ailments. He was 90.
The acclaimed author is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter. Phookan received the Jnanpith award in December 2021 for his contributions to literature. He was born on September 10, 1933, at Dergaon in present day Golaghat district.
He was admitted to the GMCH on Wednesday with breathing difficulties, said family sources. Revered as Kavya Rishi, Phookan has been described as a “sage-like presence” in Assamese literature. Political parties and apolitical organizations, irrespective of ideological lines, said Phookan’s death is an irreparable loss for the state.
Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “Nilmani Phookan was among the most prolific of writers and one of the most glittering lights of Assamese literature who enriched the literary world with his poetic creations. The contributions he made to enrich the literature of the state will remain memorable.” The Jnanpith and Padmashri awardee, Phookan’s creations knew no bounds and are adored by everyone, Sarma noted. Though Sarma said Phookan’s death will create a void in the poetic world, he was hopeful that his literary creations would act as a source of inspiration for the new generation.
Phookan’s last rites were performed at the Bhootnath crematorium near his Maligaon residence as per his last wish. He was cremated with full state honours. “Phookan sir wanted to be cremated in a crematorium near his home and in the presence of a few people,” said author Juri Borah Borgohain, who is close to the family.
She said Phookan desired a peaceful exit from the world and never wished people to construct memorials and statues in his memory. “Phookan sir wanted his ashes to be immersed in the mighty Brahmaputra and the Gelabil river on the banks of which his poetic journey began early in his childhood,” said Borgohain.
Surya Henu Nami Ahe Ei Nodiyedi, Kait, Golap aru Kait, Golapi Jamur Lagna, Kobita and Nrityarata Prithibi are among his noted compilation of poems.
Phookan was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1981, Padma Shri in 1990 and Sahitya Akademi Fellowship in 2002.