SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

Jnanpith awardee Nilmani Phookan dies

He is the third recipient of the Jnanpith award in Assam after Birendranath Bhattacharya and Mamoni (Indira) Raisom Goswami

Jnanpith awardee and eminent Assamese litterateur Nilmani Phookan died here on Thursday following prolonged old-age related problems, hospital sources said.

He was 90.

Phookan is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.

The eminent litterateur was admitted to a local hospital on Wednesday after he complained of breathing difficulties from where he was shifted to the Gauhati Medical College Hospital later.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed his deep grief at the death of the eminent poet.

”Kavya Rishi Nilmani Phookan was among the foremost of the bright literary stars who have enriched Assamese literature and his contribution will always be remembered”, the CM said in a statement.

His death has led to a loss that will be difficult to fill, Sarma said and extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved family.

The chief minister said that Phookan’s last rites will be conducted with full state honour.
Phookan received the Jnanpith award for the year 2021 for his overall contribution to the field of literature.

He is the third recipient of the Jnanpith award in Assam after Birendranath Bhattacharya and Mamoni (Indira) Raisom Goswami.