Eminent publisher and writer Mr. Giripad Dev Choudhury passed away on Friday in Guwahati. He was lovingly referred to as "mama" in the publishing community.
Born on August 16, 1932, in present-day Bajali district's Patacharkuchi, Mr. Choudhury served as the President of All Assam Book Publishers and Sellers Association from 2001 till 2011.
He was a very outspoken person and had the ability to reassure the people every time he spoke in public. He has written many children's books some of which are – 'Balmiki Ramayana', 'Vedvyasa Mahabharata', and Katha Sarit Sagar, etc.
Also known for regularly writing articles on various topics in Assamese dailies – 'Niyomiya Barta', 'Asomiya Pratidin, 'Agradoot', 'Dainik Janmabhumi' and 'Dainik Asom' among others, he also translated the once-popular novel 'All Quiet On The Western Front' into Assamese.
Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma condoled the death of Mr. Choudhury via Twitter.
Meanwhile, a state-wide bandh for all book shops on November 20, has been announced in his honour.