Assamese poet Hiren Bhattacharyya passes away

Award-winning Assamese poet Hiren Bhattacharyya, 80, died of lung infection at a private hospital Wednesday. Bhattacharyya, popularly known as 'Hiruda', was undergoing treatment at Dispur Hospital since June 14. He breathed his last at 11.20 a.m. Wednesday.

Known as the "Poet of Love and Sunshine", Bhattacharyya was honoured with the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1992 and Assam Valley Literary Award in 2000.

He penned at least 11 collections of poetry and books on nursery rhymes. Many of his poems have been turned into songs by renowned Assamese singers. His most popular collection, "Sugandhi Pokhila" ("Fragrant Butterflies"), has been translated into English.