Swarma Goswami was born on July 1937. Her father late Hemkanta
Goswami was a Satradhikar of Sipaha Satra at Dipota. The name
of her mother was Bhugeswari Goswami.
As a writer she first appeared in Uruli�,�Asombani� and
�Dainik Asom�. Her writings reflect the picture of social
ethics, spiritual thoughts and perception, philosophy and
socio-economic condition of society. Even at the age of 60 she
was aspiring to fulfill her literary pursuits. Her husband Sri
Atul Chanda Goswami was an Ex-MLA of Kaliabor Constituency, a
worthy son of late Mohendra Nath Goswami, a satradhikar of
�Madhav Ata Satra� of Kaliabor. Her marriage gave her an
independent life and also promoted her to devote
wholeheartedly in her literary work. From 1952-53 onwards she
had enriched the school magazine and newspapers by her
writings, like short-stories, poems and articles. Her first
book on poetry is �Garibar Betha� -
�Garib moi
Emuthi bhator babe mur hahakar
Etoki rupar babe odhin parar
Kunudin dekha nai hukhor puhor
Kunudin pua nai hukh jibanaor
Dekhu matTa dukhorei opar hopun
Sokur agot bhahe dukhor jiban�
(Published in �Jharna�,
First year, First Edition)
And her first short-story � �Triptir Hahi� was published in
�Pratipad� (1952-1953). From that time onwards she was engaged
in �non-stop� writing in Sutradhar, continuing Parijat,
Manuranjan, Natun Asomiya, Asom Bani, Rastrasewak, Uruli,
Sarsa, Ariupam, Kalia-Bhumura, Bohana, Lekhika, Monikut,
Mahajati, Jhankar, Ramdhenu, Gharua, Muktidut, Asoma, Astitwar
Setana, Dainik Asom, Hadin, Azir Asom, Mukuta etc.
Moreover the All India Radio, Guwahati and Nagaon centers
broadcasted light her one-act-play, essays, short stories,
poems etc. she had participated in the discussion programme
broadcasted by AIR Nagaon. She composed thirty poems and
compiled a hand written poetry book titled �Priti� while she
was in class VIII at Baseria High School. Most of her poems
published in school magazines and also in children columns of
newspapers. She edited �Sewali� a hand written magazine of
class VIII and carried out her duty as an Assistant Secretary
of the school union body. There are only three published books
by Swarna Goswarni. (1)�Godhulite Godhulite Doba Kuhai�
reflects the exquisite description of the Naamghars of Assam.
Naamghar is not meant for a place of prayers and meetings
only, it is a centre for learning cultural activities such as
dancing, singing, playing musical instruments like Khul-Taal
and acting. The trial of accused is also held in Naamghars.
The Tithis of great personages � Sankardeva and Madhavdeva
have been observed to recollect their virtues. The ambiance of
Naamghar changes with the time. Now a days Naarnghars are well
equipped with electric fans, lights etc. It is a right place
to take decisions to save the cultural heritage of Assam. This
book had received a prize in the tenth book competition among
new literate group organized by the Govt of India in 1964. It
was published in 1968 by a reputed publisher Srijut Bhabendra
Narayan Dutta Baruah of Dutta Baruah and Company, Nalbari. In
the preface of the book Dutta Baruah had written the words
�the village of Assam reverberated with the sound of the
hitting drum in every evening. It purifies the air of the
surroundings. Under this atmosphere the Assamese Culture is
building up. This is a precious treasure for the children of
the country�.
Anami Chanda:
This compiled edition of short stories was published by Sri
Sri Madhav Ata publishing house in February 1971. The first
three short stories are based on China�s aggression upon India
in 1962. The rest of the stories are the unrestrained
expression of particular moments of life. Though there are
certain distinctive features of short stories the writers
themselves have created such things at the time of their
needs. The short stories of Swarna Goswami also have shown her
self-styled techniques. All the stories of �Anaini Chanda�
reflect men�s natural endeavor to keep certain moments of life
alive. The character such as Sewji in �Anarni Chanda�, Aunty
in �Jyotshna Mami� and Uddhava in �Jeevan aru Jonak�, the
write made no effort to development in these characters. It is
only an attempt to expose a glimpse of their lives which have
animated their stories.
Short story is composed with various sentiments of life and
that taste of life collected from various experiences have
found in the stories of Swarna Goswarni. In the story, �Eta
Binidra Bibhavori� her acute observation is seen in the
description of usual life story of Chandana through a simple
girl named Banu. In �Jivan aru Junak� the character of Uddhav
exposes the mental conflict of a man when his dream is
thwarted due to instability of economic or environmental
condition. Uddhav said about a wall that exists between fancy
and real state of mind- Moon beams are simply a thing of
poetry-there is no truth in them. Only darkness is true,
unless there is inner brightness, the outer illumination is
valueless.
Swarna Goswami gives much importance on realism than
imagination. This is another characteristic of her short
stories. The language of short stories can also be called the
life of that story. The stories of �Andmi Chanda� with its
simplicity of language draw the attention of readers. On the
basis of its subject matter short stories can be divided into
two. Event but and thoughtful. Her short stories are the
mixtures of the two.
The experience of the writer, her imagination, thorough study,
intense perception and psychological knowledge of the artist
makes �Amami Chanda� successful and full of sentiments. To say
in brief that the joy and happiness, sorrow and weariness,and
intense desire, union and separation, hopes and attraction,
encouragement made appearance in the stories of Swarna Goswami.
She was expert in expressing emotional attachment with little
words. Another characteristic of her stories is suspense, as
if something remained untold. Dr. Maheshwar Neog in the
context of making review of her stories said- �After all,
sharp sighted artist is fit for creating stories. The writer
of �Ananu Chanda� gives impression of fulfilling such need in
Assamese short stories�.
�Junbai Ei Beji Eti Diya�: In 1970, the book received
Late Gopal Goswami best award in the short stories competition
for children organized by the Assam Sahitya Sabha. It was
published in 1979 by Bina library, Panbazar, a branch of a
renowned publishing house of Kokrajhar. The writer briefly
illustrates the expedition of moon by way of a story suitable
for children.
Meanwhile many stories of Swarna Goswami have been published
in the newspapers and magazines. All India Radio, Guwahati
also broadcasted short stories namely Nitya Naimitik, Phutukar
Fen, Britta Chuytta, Sabala Abala etc. Sile sar pale, hungui,
Aei Road aei boroshun, Moromor palash, Rongar Dignta, Kolija
bhongar gaari, Aokathar polokh, Jopar Talar Adhali, Madhurena
Samapayet, sur etc., All won prizes in Assam short stories
competition. The Judge gave his comment upon �Sue sar pale�
that �The main point of the story is its use of colloquial
language of the locality of Nagaon. The language of the story
reminds towards the language of �Jibanar Batot� of Bina Baruah,
though it has its uniqueness. Spontaneity is another quality
of the story. Suspense of the story remains till the end of
the story�. The story got first prize in All Assam story
competition organized by the �Assamsese Sahitya Sora� of
Guwahati University on the occasion of silver jubilee held in
1989.
Jhilmli aru Koki, Jimi, Pipihat (published in �Muna bhorai
rang anisu,a collection of short stories edited by Swarna
Saikia), All Assam Lekhika Samaroh Samiti. Hiya jali, Aokathar
Polosh (published in Assam Bani, 8th April, 1988). Moromor
Polash, Ditiya surab, Ronga Diganta etc. were successful as
children stories. �Nabagraha�, a children�s book also got
first prize in the competition of child fiction organized by
All Assam Lekhika Samaroh Samiti. Due to financial crisis some
of her children books remained unpublished. As Seujia Pakapat,
Sews Bisari, Luitor Epare Sipare, Mon korilei son, Kunaki,
Deosai bali, Rashmi Jalar Roopkhata, Ghurni Botah, Kolija
Bhongar Gaan, Khyane khyane Anukhyane are on the verge of
publication.
Reading some of the stories of Swarna Goswami gives the
impression of a eminist writer. Her stories: Nitya Naimitik,
Sue sar pale, Sahala Abala, Hunguri, Apahuta Asura, Mon
ketekir Rang, Deepa Nurse, Dr. Gogoi aru 42 number Bed, Plabon,
Kolija Bhongar Gaan, Bohut swapna olop Bastab, Bitachyta,
Soumya, Prahar, reflect feminist. She did not build the castle
of literature based on outlook, imagination. She knew very
well how pitiless the sinful heart of Suchitra of Upper class
society. �Bitachyta� as a successful story reveals the
brutality of cultured educated, person over a little girl
child named Jimly who is deprived of her due, though there is
an Act of child labor.
The story named �Abatar� gives the real picture of society.
�Raba sun Raba.Deka bra Abop �ie� Hoboi. Alop Rong Dhemali
kariboi mane Ei Bayashat prem piritir geet nagai kor Gitar
sluk Aoraba Hen! Nadhriba, Nadhariba En Diyak Aru� (Oh, the
young boys will be like that, at this stage they will have
some fun. Let them enjoy their lives. It�s not time for
reading Gita�s sluks. Don�t be serious. Let them go�
�Why did you say to make them free? No, never. I will teach
their mothers a good lesson.�
Now it is not time for bearing the torture of the husband. In
�Sue san pale�, Keteki a female character, unable to bear the
torture of her husband at last took the guise of Samunda,
attacked her husband with a knife and started dancing like
Samunda. The story shows the uprising of women to adjudicate
their rights. �Apahuta Asura� is also a readable one. �Sabala
Abala� reflects the picture of the security of women in
present-day society.
�Open the door, dearest! We are here to fulfill your physical
desire.� The youths of the society even never spare the young
girls with their widow mother to sleep safely at night. Not
only that, the worst scene is that, when a white haired
seventy year old grandfather like Prafulla Bhattacharjee
focuses his motive in the following words - �just give me an
hour�s company. I swear�. The woman was asked to satisfy his
immoral desire but she was lucky to escape being misused.
Most of the stories of this sympathetic writer reflect human
love. �It�s upto you whether you will take rikshaws or not. I
want to say rikshaw puller is neither a machine nor a vulgar
one. Like others, he is also a man of flesh and blood.� (Nigazi
Thikana). In �Adin Anirban Ahisil�, the writer gives the
picture of a man who never lost his temper in weal and woe, in
�Hungui�, a man after fulfilling his lust lived in the society
safely whereas the suffered woman with her illegitimate child
has to survive with innumerable miseries. To unmask the
hypocrisies of society there is the need of a woman like
Sumitra. Swarna Goswami has also written stories based on the
contemporary incidents. The stories like Borboli, Beduin,
Kalyan Kharman, Ronga Diganta, Stabdha Samay are successful
ones, though there is nothing like political and social
records. Even the eternal things are not seen in the stories.
Emotion or experiences are also not revealed in these stories.
Swarna Goswami has also written a number of articles which
have been published in various newspapers and magazines. They
are as follows: �Asomiya Sahityat Ram� (natun Asomia), �Dakar
Dristit Nan (Uruli), �Bihu aru Asomiya� (natun Asomiya),
�Mahilar Diha Naam�, �Loka Sanskritir Eli Samal� (sutra-dhar),
�Sri Sankardevar Rasanat Nan Barnana� (sutradhar), �Gawat Bash
kora Mohilar somoshya� (mahajati), �Nuai Tuloni Biya: Eli
lokachar� (Sutradhar) �Aomiya buarir sabi� (nilachal),
�Sanderi Ai� (satrasurya), �Sikshya aru sanskritir Dishot
Kaliaboror Mahila: EU Sainu khatiyan� (smritigrantha: Kaliabor
collegeor Rupali Jayanti), �Asomiya sanskritir Rup kene hua
Uchit� (sarsha), (Asomiya lekhikar homoshya�) (natun dainik),
�Unabinsha Shotikar Sahityat Narir mojyadar proti Sosetanata�
(Asomiya Sahiyat Nan), Asomiya Biya Namot Sikshyar Samal, (satarupa),
�Ejak Anadrita sisur Artanad (Anupam). The language of her
article is simple and Pleasant. Swarna Gowami occupies a
remarkable place in the field of poetry. One of her Poem
�Kolijar tezere lekha� got first prize in North East literary
competition organized on the occasion of International Women�s
Day. All India Radio, Guwahati broadcasted this poem. It was
also published in Asom Bani. Moreover, Sri Bipin Bora and Sri
Thanu Bora of Kaliabor were taking initiative to publish it
separately to circulate it among people. Srimati Bina Sarma, a
teacher of Gohpur, Boro high school translated it into Nepali
Language and published in a Nepali Newspaper. Few lines of the
poem are as follows:
Pitai 0�
Biya
nidi muk jadi ghorote rakhili heten,
Kaori
khedai bhat khalo heten,
Aru
dhuniya dehato ghunia nuhuakoi,
Santire
thakibo panilo heten.
( 0�
father
If you
had not given me in marriage and kept me at home
I will
live by doing hard work.
And
without destroying my beautiful body Will remain peacefully.)
Another
poem named �Kaliaborar tukura sabi� -
(Buranjie
garaka
Buranjie
parakha
Katanu
katha, koto kahini
Koto
kirti ase eikhon thait � Kaliabor is a famous historical
place, full of glory)
The poem expresses a brief description of Kaliabor. Other
poems published in magazines and newspapers are � �Akanir
hakhi mararni pakhi� (mukuta), �Dugdha jabber huhhra paporire
(Kaliabor Sahitya Sabhapratika), Korbat Krishna Upajiba (Lekhika),
Dawani (samoloy), Maj Sagarat Ghurar thake thaki (Sadinia
Sambad), Pani (Sadin), Kathar Katha (Ganatranta), Nandibhringi
Hol Mahadeu (Ganatranta), Anurodh (Abhijan), Muk Eti Bullet
Dia (Asin kakali), Kheli meli (Rastraswala), Swagat Natun
Purukh (mohajati), Jag, jag kurnbhakarna (Asomia nan
kobikantha), Swahid pitrir proti (parag).
The language of her poems is devoid of complicacy. Whatever
she wants to say presented straightforwardly before the
reader. There is no other characteristic of modern Assamese
poetry and classical note in her poetry.
Apart from short stories, poems and articles she has written a
number of one-act-play. �Ahhirnanini� is a play about
�Jasodhara� the wife of Buddha. All India Radio, Guwahati
broadcasted this play, �Maramar Urn� won the second prize in
the one act play competition organized by All Assam Lekhika
Samaroh Samiti. This was published in Ram dhenu. The theme of
the play is based on the day to day social incidents. The
dialogues are lengthy but suited to the character. From
beginning to end a tragic note is seen in the play. It would
have been more entertaining, if there is any comic scene in
the play. Besides, Swarna Goswami was capable of receiving
appreciation by engaging students in performing the short
one-act-play such as �Kuali�, �Saru
Mitra�(Translated), �Aborjona�, �Sei Mritu Aprajeya� etc. In
addition to these Swarna Goswami wrote essays of different
taste. �Ejon Asorit Satra��Oh Bastav� (Gnatranta), �Bibhinna
Narir Monor Katha� (Saptahik Nilchal), �Sakujuri� (Parijat),
Khusura Paikari (Mohajati), �Mohapurukhor Dihageet (Ganatranta),
�Gupini hobahor Naam� (Mohajati), �Amrit Priya Devi� (Lekhikar
Jibonee),
Khisiri (Rodali), �lswar Hokolute Ase� (Rodali), �Saragar
Hahiti Ase Tumar Hahit� (Bohana), �Biya Biya Khel� (Lekhika),
Phalgustavor Geet (Natun Asomia), �Nabajug� (Rastra Sewak),
�Brajabala Dcvi� (Lekhikar Jibonee), �Ekhon chithi�(Akhom Bani),
�Eta Puroni sadhu� (Ganatranta), and other unpublished
writings are still preserved in her book-self.
Education:
Her primary education started at Diputa Girls� MV School. When
she was in primary school inspectors B.B.Leis came to visit
their school. During that time, in middle Assam i.e. Nagaon,
Darrang and Lakhimpur Districts, there was only one school
inspector. Mrs Leis was satisfied in her performance and
promoted her to to class I and also presented her a book named
Srikhetra to inspire her.
Her high-school life began at Baseria High School. When she
was in class five, the then education minister late Amiya
Kumar Das in his visit to that school asked her to give a
speech on �Education�. She was trembled with fear and the only
words she uttered- �without education men are animals�. All
started laughing but the minister gave her a ten rupee note
and said- �this girl will become famous in future�. Swarna
Goswami did not understand his words but she was delighted.
She told everything to her parents. Her mother simply told her
that � �read well - the words of great men always come true�.
Due to certain reason she had to leave Baseria High School and
admitted into Bihguri High School. Her first short story
�Triptir Hahi� was published in school magazine named �Pratipad�.
In 1953, she joined temporarily at Tezpur Girls� MV School
just after her matriculation examination.
In 1954, she passed Hindi final examination with first
division from Misamari Hindi Training Center.
In 1955, Swarna Goswami secured 2d position in Hindi Bisarad
Examination in Assam as a private candidate. In the same year
she got a job as Hindi teacher at Baseria High School. Then
Headmaster late Upendra Nath Saikia loved her most and
inspired her with honest advice. In 1957, she privately
appeared in l.A. examination and passed in second division.
After that her job had been changed from Hindi teacher to
Assistant Teacher.
In 1962, she got the opportunity to participate in a training
programme - �Engraji Sikhyar Pranali�- performed by Gauhat-i
University. In the final examination she was capable of
securing first position.
In 1964, she was preparing privately to sit in the B.A.
examination. But she couldnot succeed due to her marriage just
four days ahead of her examination. She got a great shock with
her result and never thought of appearing again.
During the tenure of her service, she established a Hindi
Probodh Vidyalaya in the same place. The students of the
Vidyalaya brought honour to both Swarna Goswami and the school
by successfully coming out their examinations. She was a
propagandist of Rastra Bhasa Prasar Samiti of Assam.
She was working as a founder Head mistress of a Girls� High
School at Shantipur of Kaliabar but left the job due to family
problems. She was temporarily working at Koliabar High School
and Jakhalabandha High School. Her family problem deprived her
of doing permanent jobs.
Swarna Goswami, was the President of Kaliabar Lekhika Samaroh
Samiti from 1981 onwards. From the inception of the Samiti she
was inseparably associated with it. And from 1985 to 1994 she
had been the Vice-President of All Assam Lekhika Samaroh
Samiti and later became an advisor of the Samiti. Life member
of Asom Sahitya Sabha and Gynanmalini Sahitya Sabha of
Singorapara, Swarna Goswami was also a member of Koliabar
Sahitya Sabha and Kaliyabar Sahitya Kanon. Moreover she was an
advisor of�Kaliabar Kabi Chakra�, �Ityadi� and �North Kaliabar
Gupini Mahila Samaj, ex-President of Madhatari Mahila Samiti
and later an advisor.
Swarna Goswami was the President of the Kabi Sanmilan of
Nazira Conference of All Assam Lekhika Samaroh Samiti and also
the inaugurator of �Kabi Sanmilan of Tinsukia Conference of
the said Samiti. She also joined the conference held in Tezpur,
Mangaldai, Nagaon, Golaghat, Nalbari, Tinsukia, Hatbor,
Bukakhat and Nazira. She had recited poems in every poetess
conference and received prizes participating in the
competition organized by the Samiti. Moreover she had
regularly contributed her writings to Lekhika the souvenir of
All Assam Lekhika Samaroh Samiti.
Family Life:
Leaving her parental care she became the daughter in law of
Kaliabor. Unfortunately as a house wife she became
unsuccessful one. For long fifteen years from 1964-1979,
in-spite of her utmost effort she failed to win the heart of
the family members of her husband. She could not manage
household duties properly. Feeling neglected, she tried to
console herself by writing short stories, poems and articles
etc. Only at bed time, when all other family members lied down
in bed she started writing whatever came to her mind to
express her mental agony. Sometimes when her baby child woke
up and cried she took it into her lap and continued her
writing till 1.30 am. If the writings were not upto her
satisfaction she either tore it or burnt it, otherwise she
kept it in her trunk. Thus she bagged a prize from Assam
Sahitya Sabha for her book named �Junbai Ei, beji Eti Diya�.
In 1975, she bagged first position for her poem named �Kolijar
Tezere Lekha� in North East poetry competition celebrated on
the occasion of Women's� Day. But the said poem brought her a
hard time in her life because the family members of her
husband criticized the poem in the sense that the theme of the
poem pointed towards their family. Even their relatives
instigated them against her. Another poem �Ejak Rangkukur aru
Moi� was published in �Ganatranta�. The poem reads thus.
�Nihsanga nirastra mai,
Nati
dirgha brikhar sakhar,
Pratiksha karisu ek ghrinita mrityu,
Brikshyar soupakhe Ben,
Aharnikhe ghuribo lagise,
Hingshra
khudl-Lito krudhat Unmatta,
Rankukuror Dol�
One of their neighbors and a Head-master of an M.E School
tried to give a wrong interpretation to the poem. At that time
an article called �Asomia Buarir Sabi� was also published in
�Nilachal� which had created a pitiable condition to her.
Unable to bear such insult she decided to stay away from the
family. She was thinking about the future of her five children
and so she left that place in 1979.
Her husband being a politician remained silent in this
regard. Because he did not like his social and political life
to be disturbed by such things. Swarna Goswami had to
sacrifice and bear all the responsibilities of their family.
She could not manage her service life and family life
simultaneously. At last she was bound to leave her job. Later
she could not run her family properly due to meager income of
her husband. As an Ex MLA, her husband earned only Rs 500
monthly as pension. As a result Swarna Goswami mentally broke
down. Her brother and sister extended their helping hand to
her. God�s grace and her intelligence helped her to bring up
their children as worthy people. They have been engaged in
various jobs and lessen the economic and mental pain of their
mother. Her elder son is a science teacher, elder daughter is
a subject teacher at a Girls higher Secondary School and her
younger daughter is working as college teacher. The rest two
completed their graduation and are doing Master Degree. As an
ideal woman Swarna Goswani was a symbol of patience and
endurance and a role model for women society.
Thus this tireless dignified literary and artistic soul who
never succumbed to any obstacle was capable of shouldering her
family burden along with her creative works. She enriched the
edifice of Assamese literature.
