Illustrious Assamese Painter Neelpawan Barua Passes Away

Guwahati: Renowned Assamese painter Neelpawan Barua died on Friday afternoon at Guwahati medical college hospital, where the octogenarian artist was undergoing treatment for some days. His cremation with full state honours is scheduled for Saturday at Navagraha in the city.

Mentionable is that a veteran Assamese film and theatre personality Nipon Goswami was cremated at Navagraha full state honours on Friday morning. Goswami, a pass-out from Pune-based national film and television institute, died after suffering a cardiac arrest at the age of 80 on Thursday.

Barua, who lost his wife and a fabulous singer Deepali Barthakur a few months back, used to live alone at Sourav Nagar area of the city. Born at Teok in eastern Assam in 1936, Barua studied visual arts at Shantiniketan of West Bengal and later started teaching at Guwahati Art College. He along with Jnanpith awardee Nilamoni Phukan formed Assam Fine Art & Craft Society to encourage the budding artists.
Barua’s art works have been displayed in various galleries across India. He was honoured with a number of awards including Assam Sourav by the State government. Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi, State chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma along with other political figures mourned his demise. Condolences also poured from hundreds of thousands well-wishers across the region.

“It is really a sad day for Assam as the State has lost one of its most celebrated painters today. Neelpawan Baruah’s creations have given new dimensions to the art and culture of the state. Though the legendary artist’s death is an irreparable loss, I am sure his rich legacy continues to be a source of inspiration for art lovers across India,” said the Governor.