Life & Legacy
Early Life
Dr. Sheela Borthakur was born in 1935 in Charingia village of Jorhat district, Assam, to Nabin Sharma and Pritilata Devi. Although she was born in Assam, she spent part of her childhood in Dhaka, where she began her early education. From an early age, she developed a keen interest in literature, music, dance, theatre, and social service, interests that later shaped her remarkable career.
Education
After returning to Assam, she completed her schooling at Jorhat Girls' High School and graduated from Jagannath Barooah College, Jorhat. Following her marriage to renowned dancer Saranan Borthakur, she continued her academic journey while working as a teacher. She later earned her Master's degree and completed a Doctorate with research focusing on "Social Change in Assam." Her dedication to higher education reflected her belief that learning should contribute to social development.
Academic Career
Dr. Borthakur began her professional career as a teacher at Tezpur Government Girls' Higher Secondary School. She later joined the Department of Philosophy at Darrang College as a lecturer, where she inspired many students through her teaching and leadership. In 1979, when Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi Kanya Mahavidyalaya was established as the first women's college in Tezpur, she became its founding Principal. Her leadership played a vital role in promoting higher education for women in the region.
Social Work
Recognizing the limited opportunities available to women writers in Assam, Dr. Sheela Borthakur founded the Sadou Asom Lekhika Samaroh Samiti (SALSS) in 1974. The organization became a major platform for nurturing female literary talent and encouraging women's participation in cultural activities. She served the organization in multiple terms as President and General Secretary, strengthening its influence across Assam.
Beyond literature, she actively worked for adult education by helping establish several literacy centres in Tezpur for women and school dropouts. She also participated in numerous educational and cultural initiatives aimed at empowering women through knowledge and creative expression.
Literary Contributions
Dr. Borthakur made significant contributions to Assamese literature as an author, editor, and literary organizer. Her writings mainly focused on culture, society, women's issues, and literature. She authored several books, edited important literary collections, and preserved the works of many prominent Assamese women writers for future generations.
Major Books Written
- Drishti Aru Drishtanta
- Sanskritir Sandhanat
- Lekhokor Sristit Nari
- Saraswat
- Ananya
- Antara
- Aitaloi Chithi
- Aplanta
- Bhraman Beethika
Edited Publications
- Lekhika (multiple editions)
- Lekhikar Jibanir Pratham Khanda
- Lekhikar Jibanir Ditiyakhanda
- Nalini Bala Devi Rachanavali
- Dharmeswari Devi Baruani Rachana Sambhar
- Mahashweta
- Lekhikar Grantha Panji
- Ruptirtha
- Arghya
- Drishadvati
Other Contributions
Apart from literature, Dr. Borthakur was actively involved in music, dance, theatre, and cultural activities. She earned the title of Sangeet Visharad in Sitar from Bhatkhande Vidyapeeth, Lucknow, with first-class distinction. During her student life, she performed in stage productions and later wrote and directed a successful dance drama presented during the Asam Sahitya Sabha session in Tezpur. She also contributed her voice to Assamese musical recordings and remained associated with several cultural organizations throughout her life.
Positions Held
- Founder, Sadou Asom Lekhika Samaroh Samiti (SALSS)
- President, Sadou Asom Lekhika Samaroh Samiti (Three Terms)
- General Secretary, Sadou Asom Lekhika Samaroh Samiti
- Lecturer, Department of Philosophy, Darrang College
- Founding Principal, Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi Kanya Mahavidyalaya, Tezpur
- Teacher, Tezpur Government Girls' Higher Secondary School
- Editor of several Assamese literary publications
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Sheela Borthakur received several honors for her contributions to literature, education, and social service.
- Padma Shri (2008)
- Assam Government Literary Pension (2003)
- Basanti Bordoloi Award (2005)
- Karmaprana Award
- Tejaswini Award
Legacy
Dr. Sheela Borthakur is remembered as one of Assam's most influential women literary leaders and social reformers. Through education, literature, and community service, she created opportunities for countless women writers and encouraged their participation in Assamese cultural life. Her vision continues to inspire educational institutions, literary organizations, and future generations working for women's empowerment and social progress.
Death
Dr. Sheela Borthakur passed away on 21 June 2020 in Guwahati after a prolonged illness at the age of 85. Her remarkable contributions to Assamese literature, women's education, and social welfare continue to be celebrated across Assam.
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