Prominent Historian Udayaditya Bharali Passes Away at 78

Tributes Pour in for Udayaditya Bharali

Guwahati, July 6: Renowned historian and political analyst Professor Udayaditya Bharali passed away on Sunday after battling a long-term illness, as confirmed by his family.

At the age of 78, he is survived by his wife and two daughters.

According to a close associate, Bharali had been undergoing dialysis for several months, which significantly weakened his health.

Born in 1947 in Moran, he began his teaching career in History at Cotton College in Guwahati in 1968 and retired in 2006 as the institution's Principal. He also held the position of Head of the History Department at the oldest college in Northeast India.

A staunch advocate of Leftist ideologies, Bharali was affiliated with the CPI(ML) and supported the Naxal movement, earning respect from various opposition parties in Assam.

In his later years, he joined a broader citizens' forum aimed at uniting against the ruling BJP, consistently voicing criticism of the state government's policies.

Bharali authored several significant works, including The Political History of Assam, Vol-1, published by the Government of Assam, where he served as Associate Editor, and Hundred Years' History of Cotton College: 1901-2001.

His contributions to academia were recognized with multiple awards, including the Bishnu Prasad Rabha Award from Asam Sahitya Sabha in 1996.

He was actively involved in various social organizations and sports associations, serving as Assistant Secretary of the Assam Cricket Association and holding positions in the Guwahati Sports Association.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed profound sorrow over Bharali's passing, offering condolences to his family and prayers for his soul's peace.

Senior Congress leader Bhupen Kumar Borah also mourned the loss of the "respected teacher and historian," extending condolences to Bharali's family and admirers.

Atul Bora, president of Asom Gana Parishad and Assam Agriculture Minister, described Bharali as a significant figure in education and social thought, lamenting the loss to Assam's community.

Akhil Gogoi, president of Raijor Dal and former student, referred to Bharali as a father figure and political mentor, expressing his condolences.

Lurinjyoti Gogoi, president of Assam Jatiya Parishad, honored Bharali as a pioneer of modern Assamese history, acknowledging his impactful voice and writings for the Assamese people.