In a remarkable achievement of Assam Sutapa Chakraborty has been awarded the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar for her collection of poems titled “Deraje Halud Ful, Gatajanma”.
Chakraborty, has become the first Bengali writer from Assam and only the second from the Northeastern states to receive this award for works in Bengali literature.
Born and raised in Silchar, Assam, Sutapa Chakraborty developed a passion for literature early in life. Her family, supportive of her literary pursuits, encouraged her to delve into Bengali literature, which played a crucial role in shaping her poetic voice.
She pursued her master’s and PhD in Bengali literature from Assam University, where she honed her skills and deepened her understanding of the literary world.
Chakraborty expressed a measured joy upon receiving the award. She noted that while the recognition was significant, her primary focus remains on her writing rather than accolades. *Deraje Halud Ful, Gatajanma*, her third book, was published by Kolkata-based Adam Publication in 2022.
Most of the poems were crafted during the COVID-19 pandemic, capturing the profound reflections of that period.
“This is definitely a milestone, but I am not over celebrating it. I am focusing on my next work. I feel happier with my writings, not much concerned about awards,” Chakraborty said.
Her previous work, Mayabidya, a collection of one hundred sonnets, had already established her as a formidable voice in contemporary Bengali poetry.
As Chakraborty continues to focus on her future projects, her recognition by the Sahitya Akademi stands as an inspiration for many writers in the region, reinforcing that great literary contributions can emerge from beyond traditional epicenters.
In Assamese literature, Nayanjyoti Sarma (Jal Kota Jui), Ranju Hazarika (Bipanna Bismoi Khel) and in Bodo language Rani Baro (Boro Saikhlum) and Virgin Jakoba Mochahary (Boro Bhuma Boinibw) has been recognized with the Yuva Puraskar for his short story
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