Dimbeswar Neog - the Indradhenu Poet

Dimbeswar Neog was an eminent writer, poet, literati, educator and critic of Assam, who also served as the president of the 32nd Asom Sahitya Sabha, which was held in Nalbari. Popular known as the Indradhenu Poet in Assamese literature, Neog was a poet that regarded nature as the medium to rejuvenate. He was one of the literary geniuses of Assam, gifted with extraordinary talent and accomplishments. His contribution to the various fields of Assamese literature is exceptional that deserves special mention. This distinguished writer was also a leader and his innate analysis of the work and contribution has enriched Assamese culture, literature and art.

Dimbeswar Neog was born in a small village named Kamarfadia in Sibsagar district of Assam to Manik Chandra Neog and Chandra Prabha. He was the eldest son of the couple and the elder brother of the renowned scholar Maheshwar Neog. He received his early education from his native place and later on moved to Guwahati to pursue higher education after completion of matriculation. He took admission in Cotton College and in the year 1924, he completed his graduation from the same. During his college days, he started writing and this was the beginning of his literary career. He enrolled himself in post graduation in English literature but due to some personal problems he could not complete it then. However, in the year 1940, he completed his post graduation in Assamese language from Calcutta University. In the year 1925, he joined Sibsagar Government School as a teacher. During his college days, he came in touch with a number of eminent poets of Assam, namely Suniti Kumar Chatterjee, Chandra Kumar Agarwalla, Mitradev Mahanta, Bani Kanta Kakoti and Chandradhar Baruah. Neog was selected to be the General Secretary of Assam Chatra Sanmelan until 1924 edited the journals Janmabhumi and Milan.

In the year 1930, he married Ajaleetora, who was the daughter of writer and Dibrugarh district judge Benudhar Rajkhowa and they had seven children. Although he was a great scholar, he had to work as a school teacher and in the year 1957 retired as a principal. During his life time, Neog wrote over 100 books, which includes books of different genre. Malika, Safura, Thupitora, Malati, Bihuwoti, Indradhanu, Mukuta, Thapona, Meghdoot, Axoma, Bichitra, Swohidaan, Rahasya Logori, Xuwoni and Manuh are some of the poetry collections of this great writer. Kundila Nagara, Gaone-Nagare and Sisuleela are the novels written by him. Dimbeswar Neog also wrote folk literature as well, which include Bonbenu, Banhi, Rohrohi, Kachon Konwari, Bhogjora, Pani Mithoi, Putoli, Moni Konwar, Dakor Boson Vedor Baani, Phool Konwar, Parijat, Namoti, Rohrohi, Postula Konwari, to name a few. Neog also wrote quite a few dramas, namely Krishna Leela, Okaal Basanta, Madan Bhasma, Deepawali, Ras Kriya, Kundil Konwari, Kundil Konwari and Deepawali. New Light on the History of Assamese Literature, Studies on Assamese Literature, Katha- Prativa, Modern History of Assamese Literature, The Origin and Growth of the Axomiya Language, A Light coming through wall of Assamese Literature – Kirtan Ghosa, etc. are some of the critical works by the author. He also wrote several religious books in Assamese language.

The contribution of Neog in the field of Assamese literature, history of literature, Sankardeva and Vaishnavism is remarkable and the books ‘Assamiya Bhasatatvar Natun Bisar’, ‘Assamiya Bhasa Aru Lipir Kahini’ and ‘Sudh Assamiya’ are displays the in-depth knowledge of Neog and his deep study of Assamese language. This eminent and distinguished author passed away in the year 1966 in Assam Medical College, where he was undergoing treatment.