Life & Legacy
His commitment to the nation led to his imprisonment twice during the Quit India Movement of 1942, where he even appeared for his matriculation examination from jail. During his time in prison, he was mentored by eminent personalities such as Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, who later became the President of India, and BP Chaliha, the former Chief Minister of Assam.
After pursuing higher education at Cotton College and completing his postgraduate degree in English from Calcutta University in 1954, Saikia returned to Assam to begin an illustrious career in journalism and literature. He briefly worked with The Assam Tribune and later became the editor of the bi-weekly Asom Batori in 1963. Over the next few decades, he held key editorial positions in several reputed publications including Monideep, Asomiya, Prakash, and the widely respected Assamese daily Natun Dainik. His pioneering editorial approach earned him the distinction of being the only Assamese editor to have edited seven major newspapers and journals.
From 1967 to 1986, he served as the Secretary of the Assam Publication Board, where he played a crucial role in restoring, preserving and publishing rare Assamese manuscripts that were nearly lost to time. His tireless dedication helped protect Assam's literary heritage and encouraged a new generation of writers and readers.
Chandra Prasad Saikia was also the founder editor of the literary magazine Prakash and later the influential magazine Gariyoshi, both of which shaped the landscape of modern Assamese literary journalism. His efforts helped create a platform for emerging writers and established a new creative movement within Assam's literary world.
As a novelist, Saikia's works stand out for their depth, narrative style and modern approach to traditional themes. His novel Maharathi, based on the character Karna from the Mahabharata, created a significant impact on Assamese literature and earned him the Sahitya Akademi Award. He authored over 21 books, many of which became bestsellers and were later translated into English and multiple Indian languages. His popular literary works include Edin, Meghamallar, Uttarkal, Suryasnan, Mandakranta, Janmantar, Maharathi and Torae Morae Alokare Yatra.
Chandra Prasad Saikia served as the President of the Asam Sahitya Sabha in 1999 and 2000, playing a major role in promoting Assamese literature on national platforms. His lifelong contributions were recognized through numerous awards such as the Williamson Magor Award, Publication Board Award, Katha Award (three consecutive years), and other state-level honors. In 2007, the Government of India posthumously awarded him the Padma Bhushan, acknowledging his extraordinary influence on society and literature.
He passed away on 8 August 2006, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire readers, writers and cultural scholars across Assam and beyond. His work not only strengthened Assamese literature but also ensured its preservation for future generations.