Passing of Labanya Saikia, Wife of Renowned Writer Dr. Nagen Saikia

M Hashim Ali,Dibrugarh,Rongili Barta- Labanya Saikia (83), the devoted wife of renowned Assamese writer, former president of the Assam Sahitya Sabha and creator of Mitavas, Dr. Nagen Saikia, passed away today (23-02-25) at 7:45 AM in Dibrugarh. She had been suffering from kidney disease and diabetes for the past two months and was undergoing treatment at a private hospital, where she breathed her last. Born on December 25, 1943, in Dhekiyal Chari-Ali, Golaghat district, the late Labanya Saikia played a crucial role in managing the household while supporting her husband’s literary endeavors. She was also a donor of the “Professor Nagen Saikia Saraswat Nyas Parisad” established in 2011, entrusting it with the responsibility of bringing the writer’s works to a wider readership. Married to Dr. Nagen Saikia on May 11, 1965, Labanya Saikia was a pillar of support to her husband and an ideal mother to their three children—Gautam Subhakankshi Saikia, Kaushik Saikia, and Gayatri Baruah Saikia. Known for her warmth, she extended hospitality to every visitor who came to meet Dr. Saikia, leaving a lasting impression on many. Following her passing, numerous people gathered at her residence, “Barnamala,” in Jiban Phukan Nagar, to pay their last respects. As soon as her mortal remains arrived from the hospital, grief filled the air, and Dr. Nagen Saikia bid his final farewell to his life companion with tearful eyes. The president of the Nagen Saikia Saraswat Trust Council, Dr. Kandarp Kumar Deka, along with other trust members, also paid their last respects. Several organizations and individuals, including the Asam Sahitya Sabha, Dibrugarh Sahitya Sabha, Greater Dibrugarh Press Club, Dibrugarh Press Club, Lekhika Sangha (Dibrugarh Chapter), Milan Jyoti Sangha, Dibrugarh Mahila Sahitya Kanan, the local Naamghar Management Committee, Dibrugarh Center for Islamic Studies, All Assam Garia-Moria-Deshi Jatiya Parishad, All Assam Lekhika Samaroh Samiti, Dibrugarh Science Society, Dibrugarh Citizens’ Forum, Dibrugarh District Students’ Union, All Dibrugarh Students’ Union, Jewoti Alay, Bihu Suraksha Samiti, Teachers’ Association of Dibrugarh Kanoi College, and Dibrugarh District Administration, paid homage to the late Lavanya Saikia. At the time of her passing, she left behind a loving family, including her husband Dr. Nagen Saikia, two sons—Gautam Saikia and Kaushik Saikia, her only daughter Gyatri Saikia Barua,two daughters-in-law—Dr. Mandira Barthakur Saikia and Preeti Kalita Saikia, son-in-law—Birendra Baruah, and grand daughters—Sujata, Supriya, Ritaja, and Shrabasti Chinmayananda.  Her last rites were performed in the evening at the local Chiring Chapori cremation ground in the presence of hundreds of admirers.