Noted linguist Pramod Bhattacharya passes away

Eminent linguist, folklorist and academician Dr Pramod Bhattacharya died on Monday following a prolonged illness at a local hospital here, family sources said here.

He was 94 and is survived by four sons.

A linguist of repute, Bhattacharya took special initiative to develop and encourage Bodo language and literature and also carried out widespread research on Indo-Tibetan languages.

Bhattacharya was also a former principal of B Barooah College here.

Bestowed with the title of 'Sahityacharya' by the Asam Sahitya Sabha, Bhattacharya received several awards including Dr Lila Gogoi Award, Dr Krishna Kanta Handique Award, Bhasacharya Honour by Assam Linguistic Society, Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma Award, Kalicharan Brahma Award among others.

He was also awarded the Honarary D.Litt by Gauhati University.

Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi and Chief Minister Sarbabanda Sonowal mourned his death and extended their condolences to the bereaved family.

Sonowal directed that the mortal remains of Bhattacharya would be cremated with full state honours.

The Asam Sahitya Sabha along with several, literary, social and cultural organisations have condoled Bhattacharya's death.