Homen Borgohain is one of those few Assamese writers whose works have engrossed the considerate concentration of a wide number of readers and many acclaimed critics alike. He has carved a niche for himself in the domain of Indian literature by the magic of his words and his polished, regal and venerable personality. He is one of those rare artistes who have allowed the flow of life to find its own form in art. Though he is an innate columnist, yet his versatile genius exhibits its prowess in the genres of novel, short story and poetry with equal aplomb. He is a prolific author but that has in no way jeopardised his own artistic integrity. Writing for him is a deep ethical commitment. Inspite of having rural roots, Borgohain`s work shows a deep sympathetic undertone and acceptance about urban complexities. In the early phase of his life Borgohain led an almost bohemian existence and the reflection of that particular life can be visualised in many of his early stories.
Homen Borgohain was born on 1932 in Assam. He was the well-known writer of Assamese literature. He was a critic, novelist, short story writer, poet, and a journalist. He was the editor of influential journal Saptahik Nilachal, and Nagarik. At present he is the editor of Amar Asom, well-circulated daily of Assam at present. He was also the founder editor of Satsori. He is the pioneer of bringing revolutionary changes and developments in the publishing industry of Assam. He gave chance many potential new writers in his papers and excavated new talents in the Assamese literature .He presently writes the popular column Prothom Kolom in Amar Asom.
His famous novel was Pita Putra. It is the story of two generations when quick changes were taking place in rural Assam. He was honoured with the Sahitya Academy Award in 1978 for this novel. He has also won the Assam Valley Literary Award in 1991. His famous novel is Matsyagandha. In this novel he unfolded the life livings of the fisher folk of Assam. Borgohain`s language is urbane and the tone is that of an understated irony towards life and death. In Edinar Diary, Borgohain goes one step forward and tries to understand the essence of existence with a philosopher`s profound quest for truth. Borgohain is a widely read man and the gems of his erudition are scattered throughout the pages of the book which help us to come to terms with our existence in a better way. The sense of alienation, despair, and boredom all finds manifestations in that particular work and we close the book with an enhanced understanding of our existence. As one character, Aditya Baruah says towards the end of the novel - "Life must be having a meaning; I will endeavour to find out that meaning from today".
The protagonist Menaka, belongs to kaibartya community, the lower caste untouchables of Assam. His other major novels are Subala, Tantrik ,Kushilav Halodhiya Choraye Baudhan Khai, Timir Tirtha ,Astarag ,Saudar Puteke Nau Meli Jai. He wrote two anthologies of short stories like-Smriti Swapna Bikhad ,Astityor Jyotirmoy Chetana. His famous poetry was Hoimontee. He also penned several non-fictions. Mentionable are-Atmanusandhan ,Swarga Aru Narak ,Jeebonor Sadhana, Gadyar Sadhana ,Prajnar Sadhana, Amak Kitap Lage ,Jeebonor Madhurotom Samay ,Bibhinna Narak ,Saptam Dashak, Jijnasha ,Ananda Aru Bedanar Sandhanot ,Atma Dweepo Bhaba ,Mur Sangbadik Jeebon ,Sukh Dukh, Pathakar Tukabohi ,Kitap Porar Ananda ,Adhunik Jugor Janma Kahini ,Benjamin Franklin, Socrates ,Louis Pasteur ,Ussakangha ,Bikkhonnota ,Pratibhar Natun Sanga Diya Manuhjan. His book has been translated into English and several Indian languages.
Borgohain effectively brings to light the hidden cravings and desires of human beings struggling to articulate their feelings. His works light up the dark corners of the mind. Borgohain paints the life of the mind with breathtaking simplicity and there is a perfect blending between the subject matter and style. He may be called a lonely genius because no other Asomiya writer has attempted to depict life in the way Borgohain has successfully done. He can be called a true modernist in his attitude towards art and life. For Borgohain, who does not believe in the concept of institutionalised religion and for whom no ideology can fulfil the spiritual void of human beings, the destiny of man is to undertake the perpetual search for meaning in an otherwise meaningless universe.
He had once observed- "Man will come and go but what will remain forever are this beautiful earth and the love of mortals for this mysterious life. Man will live forever in the midst of this love." And so does he live by his feelings of love and life.
