Padma Shri Geeta Upadhyay, noted Assamese-Nepali litterateur, translator and educationist, passed away in July 2026 at the age of 88. She was conferred the Padma Shri (2025) for her outstanding contribution to Literature and Education.

Geeta Upadhyay (1939–2026) was one of Assam’s most respected literary figures, known for strengthening cultural ties between the Assamese and Gorkha (Nepali-speaking) communities through her writings and translations. Her work played an important role in promoting national integration, linguistic harmony and preservation of India’s multilingual literary heritage.

Key Highlights

• She was born on 14 February 1939 at Majgaon (Behali), Biswanath district, Assam.
• She served as a Professor of Political Science at Sibsagar College and later retired as the Head of the Department.
• She was honoured with the Padma Shri (2025) in the field of Literature and Education.
• She was a two-time Sahitya Akademi Award recipient and received several other literary honours, including the Sati Sadhini Samman (2026).

Contribution to Literature

• She translated numerous literary works between Assamese, Nepali and English, helping readers access literature across languages.
• Her notable translations include The Diary of Anne Frank, Bhanubhakta Ramayana, Muna Madan and several other important works.
• Her original writings include novels, travelogues, children’s literature and short story collections.
• Through her literary work, she strengthened cultural understanding between the Assamese and Gorkha communities of Northeast India.

• She actively worked with organisations such as the Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Assam, All Assam Lekhika Sanstha and All India Gorkha Parishad.

Exam Hook – Prelims

Q. With reference to Geeta Upadhyay, consider the following statements:

1. She was awarded the Padma Shri in 2025 for her contribution to Literature and Education.
2. She is known for translating literary works between Assamese and Nepali, including The Diary of Anne Frank.
3. She served as a Professor of Political Science at Sibsagar College.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 ✅
(d) 1 and 3 only

One-line Wrap

Padma Shri Geeta Upadhyay’s lifelong contribution to literature and translation enriched Assam’s cultural heritage and strengthened linguistic and cultural harmony between the Assamese and Gorkha communities.