Sketches | Navakanta Barua

Once we went aboating
On the Ganges…………
The pale winter moon rose above the old cemetery
We remember we talked
We could not hear each other
Though the wind was not disturbing.
I do not remember what the sky looked like,
But
There was a sky…sure
*
Time is short.

I have no time and have too many problems to solve
I sip in a problem with every sip of tea
I inhale a problem with every puff at my cigarette
Put on a new problem every time
I change my coat…
When shall I love
And write you poems?
Dearest ,
Give me a God
Give me a God to think of
Give me a God to escape.
*
Ah,it is pleasant
We are sitting ,simply sitting
Sitting silently.
I have so many things to tell
Which I know I cannot ,shall not tell

Last night I talked with me
Of too many this and that….
I was in an anguish to tell

But now
This is enough…we are sitting .
The sun above is throwing little pebbles of its rays
Through the leaves of the tree,
They are falling on your nose,lips and arms
Not on mine
We are sitting ,sitting…….
We have had our talk

Navakanta Barua’s has made an immense contribution to Assamese art and literature. His works include 39 books in all: 11 poem collections, 5 novels, essays, short stories for children (Xeali palegoi ratanpur) and lyrics. Many of his works have been translated to different Indian languages. A Few awards won are : Assam Prakashan Parisod Award, Mur aru Prithibir (1974), Sahitya Akademi Award to Assamese Writers, Kokadeutar Har (1975), Padma Bhushan, Literature & Education (1976), Assam Valley Literary Award (1993).
Author : Navakanta Barua 

Nabakanta Barua (29 December 1926 – 14 July 2002) was a prominent Assamese novelist and poet. He was also known as Ekhud Kokaideu. As Sima Dutta he wrote many poems in his early life. He also won the following awards

  • 1974: Assam Prakashan Parisod Award, Mur aru Prithibir
  • 1975: Sahitya Akademi Award to Assamese Writers, Kokadeutar Har
  • 1976: Padma Bhushan, Literature & Education
  • 1993: Assam Valley Literary Award
  • 1998: Kamal Kumari National Award

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