Navakanta Barua (1926-2002) --- Navakanta Barua is
the pioneer of modernity in Assamese poetry. He was born in
Guwahati. After
obtaining a Master's degree in English literature, he joined the academic
profession. He retired as Professor of English, Cotton College, Guwahati.
Navakanta has been "Assam’s most loved and
respected litterateur". He authored more than 35 books. Among his collections of
poetry are He Aranya He Mahanagar, 1951, Eti Duti Egharoti Tara,
1958 and Mora Aru Prithivir, 1973. He also authored novels,
belles-lettres and books of literary criticism. He received Prakashan Parishad
Puraskar (1974) and Soviet Land Nehru award (1980). He was honoured with the
Sahitya Akademi award (1975) for his novel, Kaka Deutar Harh, and the Padma Bhushan
(1976). Navakanta Barua has
been called “the poet of the crossroads” – one who had an uncanny destiny of
finding himself at the crossroads time and again, but who also had the knack of
eventually finding the right way towards his destination. A very senior Assamese
poet, Nilmoni Phookan, has observed, "Navakanta Barua dominated the realm of
modern Assamese poetry. His verses blended the traditions of Assamese, Indian,
nay even world poetry. He was by far the true representative of modernism and
will forever remain one of the all-time greats of Assamese literature."
Hiren Bhattacharjya (b.1932) --- Hiren
Bhattacharjya was born in Jorhat. His first anthology of poems, Mor Desh Mor Premor Kabita was
published in 1972. Other collections of poems include Bibhinna Dinar Kabita (1974), Kabitar Rode
(1976), Tomar Gaan (1976), Sugandhi Pokhila (selected
poems, 1981) and Saichar Pathar Manuh (collected poems, 1991). Among the various honours that have been bestowed upon him
are the Bishnu Rabha Award (1985), Soviet Desh Nehru award (1987), Bharatiya
Bhasha Parishad award and Sahitya Akademi award (1992). He was honoured with the
Assam Valley Literary award for the year 2000.
Nilmoni Phookan (b. 1933) --- Nilmoni Phookan is a
poet and an art critic. He has several
collections of poetry to his credit, including Surya Henu Naami Aahe Ei Nadiyedi,
Golaapi Jaamur Lagna, Kabitaa, Saagar Talir Sankha, Olap
Aagate Aami Ki Kathaa Paati Aasilo etc. He is the recipient of several awards
including Sahitya Akademi award (1981), Kamal Kumari award (1993) and Assam
Valley Literary award. Sahitya Akademi has conferred its Fellowship on him.
Bireswar Barua (b. 1933) --- Bireswar Barua worked in the Civil Service. He has authored several books including collections of poems and short stories, novels, an autobiography, poetry translations from Spanish, French, English and German, collections of literary essays and criticisms, works on social and cultural history and children’s literature. He received the Sahitya Akademi award in 2003, for his book, Anek Manuh Anek Thai Aru Nirjanata (People, Places and Solitude).
Nirmalprabha Bordoloi (1933 - 2003) --- Nirmalprabha Bordoloi has four collections of poetry to her credit. She
received the Sahitya Akademi award (1983) and Asom Sahitya Sabha award.
Bhaben Barua (b. 1941) --- Bhaben Barua is a poet and a critic. He served as a faculty
member of Guwahati University. He edited The Assam Quarterly, The
Assam Academic Review and The Research Journal of Guwahati University.
He received the Sahitya Akademi award (1979) for Sonali Jahaj, a
poetry-collection.
Harekrishna Deka (b. 1943) --- Harekrishna Deka has published several collections of his poems and short
stories. Recipient of Sahitya Akademi award (1987) and Katha award (1995). He is
the editor of the English daily The Sentinel.
Sameer Tanti (b. 1956) --- Sameer Tanti has published several collections
of his poems including Yuddhabhumir Kabitaa, Shokaakool Upatakyaa
and Samay, Shabda Sapun.
Sananta Tanti (b. 1956) --- Sananta Tanti has published several
collection of his poems including Moi Maanuhar Amal Utsav.
Anubhav Tulasi (b. 1960) --- Anubhav Tulasi has several collection of
poems to his credit including Naazmaa and Duroon Phool. He
received Munin Borkotoky Award for young writers in 1996.
Anupama Basumatary (b. 1960) --- Anupama Basumatary has published one
collection of her poems.
Nilim Kumar (b. 1962) --- Nilim Kumar has published several collections
of his poems including Baari Kunwar, Swapnar Relgaari, Sheluoi
Gadhuli and Sapunar Baagicha. He has received
the Udaya Bharati award and several other awards.