The Demise of Renowned Litterateur and Organizer Taren Bodo: An Irreparable Loss to Assam’s Literary and Cultural World
Taren Bodo, the former President of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha (serving two terms), Convener of the Bodo Language Advisory Committee of the Sahitya Akademi, passed away at the age of 70 at Wintrobe Hospital in Guwahati on February 14, 2026.
News Desk, February 14, 2026: The literary and cultural landscape of Assam has suffered a profound and irreparable loss with the sudden passing of Taren Bodo, one of the most respected figures in Bodo and Assamese literature, culture, and social activism. The eminent Bodo litterateur, poet, writer, researcher, organizer, actor, and former president of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha breathed his last at 2:56 PM on Saturday at Wintrobe Hospital in Guwahati after a brief but severe illness. He was 70 years old.
Born on November 1, 1955, in Kokrajhar, Assam, to Late Anon Chandra Boro and Late Barkeswari Boro, Taren Bodo’s life was a testament to dedication toward preserving and promoting indigenous languages, literature, and community harmony in Northeast India. His death has left the Bodo community, Assam Sahitya Sabha, and the broader Assamese literary world in deep mourning, with tributes pouring in from across the state and beyond.
Early Life and Education
Taren Bodo completed his matriculation in 1972 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree with honors in 1976, followed by a Master’s degree (MA in Political Science) from Gauhati University in 1978. His academic foundation in political science perhaps influenced his later organizational work, where he bridged literature with social and cultural advocacy.
After his education, he joined government service, initially as a Divisional Accountant in the Public Works Department (PWD), Government of Assam. In 1979, he joined the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in Guwahati and rose through the ranks, retiring as a Manager in 2015. Even during his professional career, he remained deeply engaged in literary and cultural pursuits, balancing his banking responsibilities with his passion for writing and community service.
Literary Contributions and Works
Taren Bodo was a prolific writer who contributed significantly to both Bodo and Assamese literature. He authored more than 14 books spanning multiple genres, including poetry, short stories, novels, plays, and critical works. His writings often reflected themes of Bodo identity, cultural preservation, social harmony, and the struggles of marginalized communities in Assam.
His works helped enrich modern Bodo literature, making complex socio-cultural issues accessible through evocative prose and poetry. As an editor, he served as the editor of The Bodo, the official mouthpiece of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha, shaping public discourse on language rights and literary development.
Taren Bodo’s commitment extended beyond writing; he was also an accomplished actor in Bodo and Assamese cinema and theater, contributing to cultural development through performance arts.
Leadership in Bodo Sahitya Sabha and Beyond
Taren Bodo’s organizational legacy is perhaps most visible in his long association with the Bodo Sahitya Sabha (BSS), the apex literary body promoting Bodo language and culture. He joined the Central Working Committee (CWC) in 1984 and held various key positions over the decades:
- Secretary (various terms)
- Joint Secretary (1993-1996)
- Treasurer (1996-2002)
- Vice-President (2002-2008)
- President (2017-2023, serving two terms in leadership roles)
During his presidency from 2017 to 2023, he led initiatives to strengthen Bodo literature, advocate for language recognition, and foster unity among communities. He also served as Convener of the Bodo Language Advisory Committee of the Sahitya Akademi, playing a pivotal role in national-level promotion of Bodo language and literature.
Beyond BSS, he held influential positions such as:
- Secretary of the Guwahati Branch of the All India Reserve Bank Employees’ Association (2005)
- Member of the Advisory Board for films (2013)
- Vice-President of the Central Committee (2015)
- Member of various citizens’ committees
His efforts built bridges between different ethnic groups in Assam, promoting harmony and mutual respect.
Awards and Recognitions
Taren Bodo’s contributions were widely acknowledged through numerous prestigious awards, including:
- Jananeta Bhimbor Deori Ekata Award
- Mohammad Ibrahim Ali Sahitya Award
- Assam Sports and Culture Award
- Ahmad Ali Bashkhand Sahitya Award
- Best Social Worker Award
In a major honor, he was selected for a national award recognizing his outstanding work in developing marginalized communities through language, culture, and literature. The award was presented on October 2, 2024 (Gandhi Jayanti) in New Delhi at Pragati Maidan. Organizations like BSS, ABSU, and others hailed this recognition as a milestone for Bodo cultural advocacy.
The Final Days and Immediate Aftermath
Taren Bodo had been battling chronic illnesses, including recent complications from pneumonia and other health issues. On Saturday, February 14, 2026, his condition deteriorated suddenly due to a drop in blood sugar levels and related complications. He was admitted to Wintrobe Hospital around 2 PM but could not be revived, passing away at 2:56 PM despite medical efforts.
News of his demise spread rapidly, drawing litterateurs, intellectuals, family, friends, and admirers to the hospital. A one-minute silence was observed in his honor. His mortal remains were later taken to his residence in the Kharghuli Luitpur area of Guwahati for final rites.
Tributes from Literary and Cultural Bodies
The Assam Sahitya Sabha, Bodo Sahitya Sabha, Assam Publication Council, Assam Natya Sanmilani, All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU), Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), and others expressed profound grief.
Dr. Basanta Kumar Goswami (President), Padum Rajkhowa (Vice-President), and Debajit Bora (General Secretary) of Assam Sahitya Sabha stated: “Bodo’s death is a massive loss to Assam’s literature, culture, and social life. He not only strengthened the Bodo Sahitya Sabha but also fortified the entire Assamese national identity.”
Dr. Surath Narzary, current President of Bodo Sahitya Sabha, called him “an excellent litterateur and actor of the highest caliber,” describing the loss as irreparable for the Bodo community. BSS announced flags at half-mast for seven days across its offices.
Assam Sahitya Sabha declared half-mast observance on February 15 at all regional and district units.
Political figures, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and others, also mourned his passing, highlighting his role as a guiding light for unity and cultural preservation.
Legacy and Impact
Taren Bodo’s life exemplified service to language, literature, and society. His work empowered the Bodo community while fostering inclusivity in Assam’s diverse fabric. In an era of rapid change, he stood as a pillar for indigenous identity, ensuring Bodo language and culture thrive nationally.
His demise on February 14, 2026, marks the end of an era, but his writings, leadership, and vision will inspire generations. The people of Assam remain eternally grateful for his bridge-building efforts among communities.
May his soul rest in eternal peace. Deepest condolences to his bereaved family, friends, and the literary fraternity.
