Assamese linguist Golok Chandra Goswami dies at 96

Eminent Assamese linguist and academician Golok Chandra Goswami died on Friday due to old age ailments at a private hospital here.

Goswami, 96, had retired from the Gauhati University in 1985 as the head of the Assamese department.

A scholar, who pioneered the scientific study of the Assamese language, has several books to his credit, including 'An Introduction to Assamese Phonology', considered to be path-breaking in the linguistic study of the Assamese language.

'Structure of Assamese', 'Assamese - Its Formation and Development', 'Dhvani Bigyanor Bhumika', 'Asomiya Bornoprakash' and 'Asomiya Akhor Jotoni' are some of his well-known books.

Goswami was honoured with the Asam Sahitya Sabha's 'Sahityacharya' title, 'Bhashacharya' title by Asom Bhasha Bikash Samiti and 'Anundoram Borooah Award' by the Anundoram Barooah Institute of Language, Art and Culture.

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that he was deeply saddened by the demise of the eminent academician and linguist who made remarkable contribution in the field of Assamese language and literature.

"He was a pioneer in the field of scientific study of Assamese language and many of his books have set a strong foundation for the Assamese language," Sonowal said in a statement.

"His death is an irreparable loss to the state and I offer my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family," he added.