Sukumar Barua, one of the most luminous figures in Bengali children’s literature and a recipient of the prestigious Ekushey Padak, has passed away, leaving behind a rich legacy of verse that delighted generations of young readers. He breathed his last at 6:55 am on Friday, 2 January, at JK Memorial Hospital in Gahira, under Raozan upazila of Chattogram. He had been suffering from multiple age-related illnesses for a prolonged period. At the time of his death, he was 88 years old.
Born on 5 January 1938 in the village of Madhyam Binajuri in Raozan, Chattogram, Sukumar Barua grew up in a culturally rooted family. His father, Sarbananda Barua, and mother, Kiran Bala Barua, nurtured in him values of simplicity and perseverance that later reflected in his literary voice. Although his professional life began far from the world of letters, his passion for writing never waned. In 1962, he joined the University of Dhaka as a Class IV employee, a modest position from which he quietly pursued his creative ambitions. After nearly four decades of service, he retired in 1999 as a storekeeper.
Alongside his official duties, Barua devoted himself wholeheartedly to literature, particularly to children’s poetry. For nearly six decades, his rhymes appeared regularly in some of the most respected children’s and juvenile magazines in Bangladesh, including Kochi-Kachar Ashor, Khelaghar and Mukuler Mahfil. His verses were marked by playful rhythm, accessible language and a deep understanding of the child’s imagination. Through humour, fantasy and gentle moral insight, he carved out a distinctive and enduring place in Bengali children’s literature.
Barua was also a prolific author, publishing a remarkable number of poetry collections for young readers. His books, many of which remain widely read, enriched the literary landscape with creativity and linguistic charm. Titles such as Lej Abiskar, Chhotoder Haat, Pagla Ghora, Bhije Beral, Nana Ronger Din and Sukumar Baruar 101ti Chhora are considered classics within the genre.
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to language and literature, the Government of Bangladesh awarded him the Ekushey Padak in 2017, one of the country’s highest civilian honours. Over the years, he also received numerous other accolades, reflecting the breadth of appreciation for his work.
Selected Biographical Details
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Sukumar Barua |
| Date of birth | 5 January 1938 |
| Place of birth | Madhyam Binajuri, Raozan, Chattogram |
| Profession | Poet of children’s literature |
| Career start | University of Dhaka, 1962 |
| Retirement | 1999 |
| Ekushey Padak | 2017 |
| Date of death | 2 January |
| Age at death | 88 years |
Sukumar Barua’s passing marks the end of an era, yet his playful rhymes and imaginative worlds will continue to live on, shaping the literary sensibilities of countless children for years to come.