Padma Shri Geeta Upadhyay Passes Away at 87, Leaving a Literary Legacy

Geeta Upadhyay, a celebrated author and Padma Shri awardee, has passed away at the age of 87 in Tezpur. Known for her significant contributions to Assamese and Nepali literature, she was a prominent figure in academia and social work. Upadhyay's legacy includes prestigious awards and a commitment to education and community service. Her passing has prompted tributes from various leaders, including the Chief Minister of Assam, who acknowledged her impact on literature and society. The Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh has declared a week of mourning in her honor. Discover more about her remarkable life and contributions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 14, 2026, 13:00 IST

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File image of Padma Shri Geeta Upadhyay. (Photo:@himantabiswa/X)

Guwahati, Jul 14: Renowned author, translator, and academic, Geeta Upadhyay, who was honored with the Padma Shri award, passed away in Tezpur on Tuesday at the age of 87.

She had been briefly hospitalized in Tezpur but returned home on Monday after her recovery. Unfortunately, she fell ill again and passed away around 9 PM.

Born on February 14, 1939, in Gangmouthan, which was part of the Darrang district (now known as Biswanath district) of Assam, Upadhyay came from a prominent family.

She was the granddaughter of Chabilal Upadhyaya, a freedom fighter and the first elected president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee.

Upadhyay retired as the head of the Political Science Department at Sibsagar College and made significant contributions to both Nepali and Assamese literature.

In 2012, she received the Sahitya Akademi Translation Prize for her translation of 'Karengor Ligiri' from Assamese to Nepali, titled 'Darbarki Susare'.

Her Nepali novel 'Janmabhumi Mero Swadesh', inspired by her grandfather's life, earned her the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2016.

A dedicated social worker, she was the first Gorkha woman from Assam to earn a postgraduate degree and served as the founder-president of the Assam chapter of the Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh (BGP), a national organization for Gorkhas.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his sorrow over Upadhyay's passing, acknowledging her immense contributions to Assamese and Nepali literature in a social media post.

Deeply saddened by the passing of Smt. Geeta Upadhyay, a distinguished educationist and author who immensely contributed to Assamese and Nepali literature.

Honoured with the Padma Shri and the 2026 Sati Sadhani Award, her legacy will continue to inspire generations.

My… pic.twitter.com/Y1CCxHFlRj
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 13, 2026

He further stated that her legacy would inspire future generations.

Offering his condolences to her family, friends, and supporters during this difficult time, Sarma prayed for the peace of her departed soul.

In remembrance of Upadhyay, the BGP in Assam has announced a week of mourning starting Tuesday, as stated by their general secretary Nanda Kirati Dewan.