Celebrated poet Nirendranath Chakraborty passes away at 94

Kolkata: Poet Nirendranath Chakraborty died at a private nursing home in South Kolkata on Tuesday morning. He was 94-years-old and is survived by his son and two daughters. Chakraborty was admitted to the nursing home with age related ailments in early December.

Condoling his death, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted: "Saddened at the passing of poet Nirendranath Chakraborty. It's a great loss to us all. His contribution to Bengali literature was immense and he will always be remembered through his works. We had felicitated him with 'Banga Bibhushan' award in 2017. Condolences to his family."

The mortal remains of Chakraborty were kept at Rabindra Sadan, where people from all walks of life assembled to pay their last respects to the departed soul. Banerjee went to Rabindra Sadan and placed floral wreath on the mortal remains of the poet. He was cremated at Nimtala crematorium with state honours.

Mayor Firhad Hakim, state Education minister Partha Chatterjee and minister of state for Information and Cultural Affairs Indranil Sen went to the private hospital once the news of his death spread.

Chakraborty got Sahitya Akademy Award in 1974 for the book Ulanga Raja. In 2007, Calcutta University conferred on him the Doctorate of Science degree. Some of his poetry anthologies include Nil Nirjan, Prothom Nayak and Ghumiye Porar Age. Some of his famous poems are Amalkanti Roddur Hote Cheyechilo, Kolkatar Jishu and Ulanga Raja.

He has also translated Tintin comics in Bengali. His notable works for adolescents are Saada Bagh, Baro Masher Chora, Pitri Purush, etc.