Eminent writer Buddhadeb Guha passes away

Noted Bengali writer Buddhadeb Guha has passed away in a private hospital in Kolkata.

The 85-year-old was diagnosed with Covid-19 in April of this year and spent almost a month in the hospital. He was recently hospitalized due to lung and urinary tract issues.

“Buddhadeb Guha is no more. He was blessed as to be one with the Divine on the night of Janmashtami (Lord Krishna’s birthday) 2021. Do join his family and friends in celebrating his life,” his elder daughter Maleni B Guha posted on social media. 

He died around 11:30pm Sunday due to post-Covid-19 complications after a massive cardiac arrest, Press Trust of India (PTI) reported citing his family.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of Guha. She prayed for the salvation of his soul and conveyed deep sympathy to his bereaved family.

Born on June 29, 1936, in Kolkata, Guha, a chartered accountant by profession, is most known for creating the popular children's characters Rijuda and his sidekick Rudra, who explore jungles.

In his books and short stories, nature and the forest were recurring topics. He is best remembered for his novel “Madhukori”, which is considered a milestone in Bengali literature.

He was married to Ritu Guha, a renowned Rabindra Sangeet exponent who died in 2011. He is survived by two daughters.

Guha received numerous awards, including the Ananda Purashkar in 1976, as well as the Shiromani Puraskar and Sharat Puraskar later on. He was a talented musician as well.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of the eminent litterateur.

She prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and expressed sympathy to the bereaved family.