Laxminandan Bora, a towering figure in Assamese literature, was born on June 15, 1932, in a village within Assam’s Nagaon district. Born into a farmer’s family after a significant gap between his siblings’ births, his childhood was marked by a unique blend of solitude and affection. While taunted by classmates for having older parents, he found solace in the local cultural activities and the care of his family.
Academic Journey and Literary Awakening
Bora excelled in academics. He graduated with honors in physics from Cotton College and later pursued his master’s degree at Presidency College, Kolkata. Here, he encountered legendary teachers like Satyendra Nath Bose and S.C. Chatterjee. Interestingly, despite his scientific background, his association with diverse people and the vibrant life of Kolkata sparked his literary passion. Encouraged by his peers after a well-received speech on Sankardeva, he penned his first story, “Bhawana,” in his final year.
Teaching, Research, and Global Exposure
Bora embarked on a teaching career at Assam Agricultural University. While initially lacking enthusiasm, he discovered joy in nurturing young talents. He earned his doctorate in Agricultural Meteorology, a pioneering field at the time. His research took him to Visakhapatnam and various European countries, broadening his perspective. He observed the high emphasis on research but also noted the individualistic nature of these societies.
Literary Career and Enduring Legacy
For fifteen years, Bora focused on short stories, capturing the essence of rural life and the Satriya culture. His novel, “Ganga-Chilanir Pakhi,” exemplifies this mastery. He held Sankardeva and Laxminath Bezbaruah in high regard, dedicating the bestselling novel “Gakeri Nahike Upam” to their legacy.
Recognizing the changing landscape of entertainment in the 1980s, Bora revitalized Assamese literature by introducing modern themes, suspenseful plots, and opium smuggling as a backdrop, evident in his acclaimed novel “Patal Bhairavi,” which earned him the Sahitya Akademi Award.
Bora’s themes mirrored the complexities of life itself. His novel “Kayakalpa,” inspired by the philosophy of rejuvenation and his interest in Ayurveda, garnered the Saraswati Samman. He believed in the unifying power of Assamese literature and the importance of integrating Assamese Muslims and tea industry workers. His autobiography, “Kal Balukat Khoj,” reflects these views.
As the editor of the prestigious magazine “Goriyoshi,” Bora championed new voices and contemporary themes. He wrote prolifically until his last days, leaving an undeniable mark on Assamese literature.
A Master Storyteller
Bora’s versatility is evident in his diverse works. He never repeated himself, adhering to the spirit of Milan Kundera’s quote about exploring new realms in novels. His characters grapple with internal conflicts, echoing Henrik Ibsen’s notion of writing as an internal trial. Like T.S. Eliot, Bora understood the distinction between the creator and the character within the fictional world.
He began with short stories in the 1950s and transitioned to novels with “Ganga Chilonir Pakhi” in 1963. This rural saga showcased his ability to immortalize settings and characters. The distinct gap between his short stories and debut novel suggests a period of honing his craft.
Bora excelled in writing biographical novels, evident in works like “Jakeri Nahike Upam” and “Hehi Gunonidhi.” These portrayals of Assamese saints like Sankardeva and Madhavadeva avoided hagiography, presenting them as relatable human figures. Unlike Syed Abdul Malik’s romanticized portrayal of Sankardeva, Bora’s approach was grounded in realism.
Exploring the Depths and Breadth of Human Experience
“Patal Bhairavi” delves into the underbelly of corruption, black marketing, and drug trafficking, offering a glimpse into a dark world. “Kayakalpa,” on the other hand, explores the human desire to conquer death, weaving together modern gerontology and ancient Ayurvedic practices. Notably, this is his only novel translated into English by Biman Arandhara.
Capturing the Essence of Rural Life
Bora’s short stories, rooted in his rural upbringing, possess a unique charm. Stories like “Sampttir Bapek” showcase his mastery of capturing nostalgia, human connection, and community life. He employs village proverbs effectively, transporting readers to a distinct existential space. His final collection, “Bahanti Bhakhon,” reflects his concern for contemporary societal issues.
A Legacy Beyond Language Barriers
While only one of Bora’s novels, “Kayakalpa,” has been translated into English by Biman Arandhara, his contributions to Assamese literature remain immense. His short stories, brimming with rural charm and insights into village life, deserve wider recognition. His final collection, “Bahanti Bhakhon,” reflects his keen observation of contemporary societal challenges.
Laxminandan Bora’s mesmerizing language and ability to transport readers to another world solidify his place as a literary giant. His death in 2021 left a void in Assamese literature, but his work will continue to inspire generations to come.