Guwahati, March 11: Renowned Assamese essayist, novelist and short story writer Padma Barkataki passed away at GNRC Hospital on Tuesday where he was undergoing treatment. He was 82.

The chairman-cum-managing director of GNRC Hospital, N.C. Borah, said Barkataki had suffered three cerebral strokes during the last couple of months. He said Barkataki was admitted to the hospital after he suffered the third stroke last month.

Barkataki was born on July 30, 1926 in Jorhat district. He wrote 38 novels, five collections of short story and two collections of poetry as well as three children books. He also translated several classics of different languages into Assamese.

The author, who settled in Khanapara, leaves behind his wife, a son and two daughters.

Chief minister Tarun Gogoi condoled the death of Barkataki. “Assam has lost one of the versatile personalities”, he said.

President of Asam Sahitya Sabha Kanaksen Deka also condoled Barkataki’s demise.