Guwahati: Renowned historian, academician, and social thinker Professor Udayaditya Bharali passed away in Guwahati on Sunday following a prolonged illness, his family confirmed. He was 78.
Bharali had been undergoing dialysis for several months, and his health had deteriorated significantly, a close aide said. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
Born in 1947 in Moran, Bharali began his academic career at Cotton College in 1968, where he served as a professor of history and eventually retired as the institution’s principal in 2006.
He also headed the History Department at one of Northeast India’s most prestigious colleges.
A staunch believer in Leftist ideology, Bharali was associated with the Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) and was known to be a sympathiser of the Naxalite movement.
Over the years, he emerged as a respected voice among opposition circles in Assam and was actively involved in citizens’ initiatives aimed at challenging the policies of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
An influential intellectual, Bharali authored several significant works, including The Political History of Assam, Vol-I, published by the Government of Assam, and Hundred Years’ History of Cotton College: 1901–2001.
In recognition of his contributions, he was conferred with the Bishnu Prasad Rabha Award by the Asam Sahitya Sabha in 1996.
Beyond academia, Bharali had a long-standing association with social and sporting organisations.
He served in various capacities, including as Assistant Secretary of the Assam Cricket Association and Vice President and Joint Secretary of the Guwahati Sports Association.
Condolences poured in from across the political spectrum following the news of his demise.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed deep sorrow and extended his condolences to the bereaved family, praying for the eternal peace of the departed soul.
Senior Congress leader Bhupen Kumar Borah described Bharali as a revered teacher, historian, and a guiding figure during pivotal moments in Assam’s political landscape.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the grieving family and all those who admired him,” he said.
Agriculture Minister and AGP president Atul Bora remembered Bharali as a distinguished scholar and writer, calling his death an “irreparable loss” to the state’s educational and social spheres.
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Raijor Dal president and MLA Akhil Gogoi, who was once Bharali’s student, called him a father figure and political mentor.
“He was my guide. I paid tribute at his residence. My deepest condolences to his family,” he said.
Assam Jatiya Parishad president Lurinjyoti Gogoi hailed Bharali as a trailblazer of modern Assamese history.
“Though I was never his direct student, we regarded him as our eternal teacher. His voice and writings have always championed the cause of the Assamese people,” he said.
