Early Life and Challenges of Raghunath Choudhary:
Bullet Point:-
- Born on January 5, 1978, in Lawpara village near Mukalmua, Nalbari district (formerly part of undivided Kamrup district).
- Suffered a leg injury at nine months old from a fall, resulting in a permanent disability.
- Mother, sister, and brother passed away when he was four years old, causing significant emotional upheaval.
- Father's mental health deteriorated due to the untimely deaths, and he also passed away in 1899.
- Faced numerous challenges and hardships during his early years, navigating a turbulent personal journey.
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Educational Challenges Amidst Personal Struggles:
- Raghunath Choudhary's educational journey was as tumultuous as his personal life.
- Following his parents' demise, he found refuge with his cousin Gargaram Choudhary, who provided support during this difficult period.
- Through determination, Raghunath succeeded in passing a scholarship examination, securing a spot at Guwahati Government High School.
Unfortunate Turn of Events:
- However, his time at the government high school took a sour turn due to misunderstandings with one of his teachers.
- This disagreement ultimately led to the premature end of his formal education.
Continuing the Pursuit of Knowledge:
- Undeterred by the setback, Raghunath Choudhary's thirst for learning persisted.
- Alongside his responsibilities at home, he embarked on an independent study of Sanskrit under the guidance of Pandit Dhireshwar Bhattacharya.
- This parallel pursuit of education demonstrated his unwavering commitment to self-improvement and intellectual growth.
Diverse Career of Raghunath Choudhary:
- Initiated his career as a teacher at Balika/Girls Primary School in Ujjain Bazar.
- Ascended to the role of headmaster at Guwahati Roman Catholic Missionary Girls School in 1903.
- Engaged in agricultural pursuits alongside his teaching responsibilities.
Poetic Debut and Literary Contributions:
- Marked his poetic debut in 1901 with the poem 'Moromor Pakhi' published in the 'Jonaki' newspaper from Guwahati.
- Continued to produce numerous poems, enriching the repository of Assamese literature.
Active Participation and Advocacy:
- Actively participated in the non-cooperation movement inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's call.
- Faced imprisonment for fourteen months in 1921 due to his involvement in the non-cooperation movement under British rule.
- Honored the position of President in the 16th session of Assam Sahitya Sabha in Tezpur, 1936.
- Led the Assam Branch of the World Peace Council in 1948.
- Served as President of the Kristi Branch of the Calcutta Session of the All-India Peace Council in 1952.
- Held the position of President in the All-party Boundary Determination Committee in 1955.
Socio-Cultural Initiatives:
- Co-founded Pragati Sangha and Savita Sabha in Guwahati, actively participating in various socio-cultural programs.
Editorial Roles and Literary Impact:
- Contributed significantly to the Assamese literary landscape as a poet and journalist.
- Served as assistant editor for the 'Jonaki' newspaper published in Guwahati.
- Edited the children's magazine 'Maina' in 1923.
- Assumed the role of editor for 'Jayanti' from 1936 to 1938 and 'Surabhi' from 1942 to 1944.
Innovative Literary Exploration:
- 'Jayanti' magazine, under Raghunath Choudhary's editorship, embraced progressive thinking and introduced a new perspective to Assamese literature.
- His contributions led to a shift in the prevailing genre of poetry, fostering a fresh wave of creativity in Assamese literary circles.
Literary Legacy of Raghunath Choudhary:
- Raghunath Choudhary, an esteemed poet, made his debut in the literary realm with a collection of poems titled 'Sadari' in 1910, which emerged from his contributions to the 'Jonaki' paper. Notably, his poems published in 'Jonaki' and the contemporary 'Banhi' paper were amalgamated to create the poetry book 'Sadari.'
- Subsequent published collections include 'Keteki' (1918), 'Karabala' (1923), 'Dahiktara' (1931), and 'Navamallika' (1958).
- 'Keteki' and 'Karabala' are dedicated poetry books, while 'Navamallika' embodies a collection of 'katha kavita' (narrative poetry). 'Sadari' and 'Dahiktara' represent previously published compilations, while posthumous poems were collated into 'Manai Bariagi.'
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List of Some of His Poetic Works:
Raghunath Choudhary, a notable Assamese poet, created a substantial body of poetic work that captured the essence of nature, beauty, and human emotions. Here is a list of some of his poetic works.
- "Sadari" (1910) - A collection of poems published in the "Jonaki" paper, marking his poetic debut.
- "Keteki" (1918) - A poetry book that showcases his deep appreciation for the beauty of nature.
- "Karabala" (1923) - Another poetry collection exploring various facets of human emotions and experiences.
- "Dahiktara" (1931) - A compilation of poems that continue his exploration of nature and its impact on human emotions.
- "Navamallika" (1958) - A book of "katha kavita" (narrative poetry) that adds to his diverse poetic expressions.
- "Manai Bariagi" - A posthumous collection of poems written after his other published works.
Nature's Reflection in Poetry:
- Raghunath Choudhary artfully depicted Assam's heritage, culture, and natural world through his poetic compositions.
- Positioned as a significant poet in Assamese literature after Madhav Kandali, Choudhary captured the beauty of Assam's nature, particularly his profound admiration for flowers and birds.
- Poems like 'Keteki,' 'Moromor Pakhi,' 'Goahe once my favourite Vihangini,' and 'Dahiktara' reveal a unique perspective on the splendid world around us.
- Revered as a 'Bihogi Kobi' (poet of birds), Raghunath Choudhary demonstrated a deep affinity with nature, earning this title after being praised by former Chief Justice Holiram Deka.
Pioneering Assamese Romantic Poetry:
- Raghunath Choudhary stands out as a leading poet of the Assamese romantic era, known for his imaginative prowess.
- His poems embody the essence of romance, deriving inspiration from the sweetness and beauty of nature.
- Like Wordsworth in English literature, Raghunath Choudhary's poetic creations epitomize the best of Assamese romantic poetry, shaping a new trajectory for the genre.
Influences and Innovation:
- Raghunath Choudhary's poetic inspiration was drawn not from direct exposure to English romantic poetry, but from the study of Shankari and Sanskrit literature.
- His compositions integrated familiar words, rhythms, and visual imagery, infusing a fresh perspective into Assamese poetry.
- By embracing diverse forms and the subtle beauty of nature, he rejuvenated Assamese poetry, which became adorned with nature's songs and allure. The simplicity of language and rhythm is a hallmark of his work.
Praise and Recognition:
- Esteemed scholar Maheshwar Neog acknowledged Raghunath Choudhary's contribution, highlighting his innovative simplicity, rhythmic elegance, and linguistic fluidity within the first wave of the Jonaki era.
- Choudhary's prominent standing in Assamese poetry owes to these qualities, positioning him as a revered figure.
Honors and Advocacy:
- Bestowed with the title 'Kaviratna' by Kamrup Sanjivani Sabha, Raghunath Choudhary established a unique niche in Assamese poetry.
- His involvement in India's freedom movement reflected his nationalist spirit, advocating for Assamese as the state language during the 1960 language movement.
- Recognized for his literary and patriotic contributions, he received a literary pension from the Government of India.
Diverse Literary Contributions:
- Beyond poetry, Raghunath Choudhary extended his creative talents to storytelling. His stories, published in various magazines, were later compiled posthumously into the anthology 'Pashatia.'
Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy:
Raghunath Choudhary, an indomitable figure, defied all odds to etch his mark on society through unwavering honesty and fearless determination, despite his humble origins. His life journey and philosophy serve as an unparalleled beacon of inspiration for Assam, resonating as a timeless model for present and future generations alike. Departing from this world on November 18, 1967, Raghunath Choudhary's stature undeniably places him alongside literary luminaries like Wordsworth, Keats, and Shelley. A devoted admirer of nature's splendor, a silent lover of beauty, Raghunath Chaudhary stands as a source of pride for both Assam and the Assamese people.
FAQ
1. Q: Who is Raghunath Choudhary?
A: Raghunath Choudhary was a renowned poet from Assam, India, known for his significant contributions to Assamese literature.
2. Q: When and where was Raghunath Choudhary born?
A: Raghunath Choudhary was born on January 5, 1978, in Lawpara village near Mukalmua, Nalbari district (previously part of undivided Kamrup district).
3. Q: What were the early challenges in Raghunath Choudhary's life?
A: Raghunath Choudhary faced hardships including a leg injury from a fall at a young age, the loss of his mother, sister, and brother, and his father's mental imbalance due to these tragedies.
4. Q: What role did Raghunath Choudhary play in Assamese poetry?
A: Raghunath Choudhary was a pivotal figure in the development of romantic poetry in Assam, known for his imaginative and nature-centric compositions.
5. Q: What are some of Raghunath Choudhary's notable literary works?
A: His prominent works include poetry collections like 'Sadari,' 'Keteki,' 'Karabala,' 'Dahiktara,' and 'Navamallika,' showcasing his affinity for nature and beauty.
6. Q: How did Raghunath Choudhary contribute to India's freedom struggle?
A: He actively participated in the non-cooperation movement, leading to his imprisonment for fourteen months in 1921 by British authorities.
7. Q: What earned Raghunath Choudhary the title 'Bihogi Kobi'?
A: His deep connection with nature, particularly his fascination with flowers and birds, led to him being recognized as a 'Bihogi Kobi' or 'poet of birds.'
8. Q: How did Raghunath Choudhary impact Assamese literature?
A: He introduced progressive thinking to Assamese poetry, rejuvenating the romantic genre with his innovative use of language, rhythm, and nature themes.
9. Q: What honors and recognition did Raghunath Choudhary receive?
A: He was honored with the title 'Kaviratna' by Kamrup Sanjivani Sabha and received a literary pension from the Government of India.
10. Q: What is Raghunath Choudhary's enduring legacy?
A: Raghunath Choudhary's life and work continue to serve as an inspiration for generations, leaving an indelible mark on Assamese literature and culture.