GUWAHATI: Renowned educationist, author and Padma Shri awardee Geeta Upadhyay has passed away, marking the end of a distinguished literary and academic career that enriched both Assamese and Nepali literature. She was also the recipient of the 2026 Sati Sadhani Award, recognising her lifelong contribution to literature and education.
ALSO READ: "Citizenship Must Be Decided Through Fair Process": Supreme Court Orders Fresh Hearing in 27 Assam Foreigner Cases
Born in Gangmothan village in present-day Biswanath district of Assam, Upadhyay emerged as one of the state's most respected literary figures. She was widely admired as a writer, translator, academician and social worker.
Her contributions to literature earned her several prestigious honours over the years. Her Nepali translation of the acclaimed Assamese play Karengar Ligiri received the Sahitya Akademi Translation Award, while her novel Janmabhumi Mero Swadesh won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2016.
In recognition of her immense contribution to literature and education, she was conferred the Padma Shri. Most recently, she was honoured with the 2026 Sati Sadhani Award.
Geeta Upadhyay's writings and translations played a significant role in strengthening literary ties between Assamese and Nepali languages, leaving behind a rich legacy that will continue to inspire generations of readers, writers and scholars.