Dr. Lakshahira Das was a renowned Assamese writer, singer, lyricist, composer, and professor who made significant contributions to Assamese literature, music, and education. She was recognised by All India Radio in 1948 while she was still a student and later became a professor and Head of the Department of Education at Gauhati University. She passed away in March 2025 in Guwahati at the age of 94.
For APSC aspirants, Dr. Lakshahira Das is an important personality to study under Assamese literature, art and culture, education, women empowerment, and Assam current affairs. Her awards, literary works, musical contributions, and academic career can be relevant for both APSC Prelims and Mains.
Dr. Lakshahira Das: Quick Facts
| Particular | Details |
| Name | Dr. Lakshahira Das |
| Field of Work | Writer, singer, lyricist, composer, and professor |
| Major Contribution | Assamese music, literature and education |
| AIR Recognition | 1948 |
| Doctoral Degree | Gauhati University, 1973 |
| Academic Position | Head, Department of Education, Gauhati University |
| Retirement | 1993 |
| Sangeetacharya | 1995 |
| Silpi Award | 2003 |
| Amol Prabha Das Award | 2011 |
| Sangeet Natak Akademi Award | 2022 |
| Death | March 2025 |
| Place of Death | Guwahati |
| Age at Death | 94 |
Who Was Dr. Lakshahira Das?
Dr. Lakshahira Das was one of Assam’s distinguished personalities, contributing to education, literature, and music. She was an accomplished academic, lyricist, composer, and singer.
Her career is particularly notable because she made her mark in the cultural field at a very young age while simultaneously pursuing higher education and an academic career.
She was recognised by All India Radio in 1948 as a lyricist, composer and singer while she was still a student. This early recognition marked an important milestone in her musical career.
Over the years, she became associated with Assamese music and literature and composed more than 2,000 songs.
Dr. Lakshahira Das and Education
Education was another major area of work. She received her doctoral degree from Gauhati University in 1973 and pursued an academic career in the field of education.
She eventually became the Head of the Department of Education at Gauhati University and retired from the university in 1993.
Her contribution to education makes her relevant not only to Assam’s cultural history but also to questions concerning the development of higher education in Assam.
Dr. Lakshahira Das and Assamese Music
Dr. Lakshahira Das made a significant contribution to Assamese music as a singer, lyricist and composer.
She composed more than 2,000 songs during her career. Her work helped enrich Assamese musical traditions and strengthened the relationship between Assamese literature and music.
All India Radio Recognition in 1948
One of the most important facts about Dr. Lakshahira Das is her association with All India Radio.
In 1948, while she was still a student, she was recognised by All India Radio as an Assamese woman lyricist, composer and singer.
APSC Prelims Fact
Dr. Lakshahira Das → All India Radio recognition → 1948
This is a useful fact to remember for questions related to Assamese art and culture and important personalities of Assam.
Literary Works of Dr. Lakshahira Das
Dr. Lakshahira Das was also a prolific Assamese writer. Her literary contribution included poetry, songs and other forms of creative writing.
Some of her notable works include:
- Prathama
- Gitarghya
- Lakshahirar Geet
- Pranor Muktidhara
- Tapashi
- Prangangha
- Surya aru Sagoror Sadhu
Her literary works are important from the perspective of Assamese literature and cultural heritage.
For APSC preparation, aspirants should remember at least a few of these titles along with her identity as a writer, lyricist, composer and singer.
Awards and Recognition of Dr. Lakshahira Das
Dr. Lakshahira Das received several awards and honours for her contributions to music, literature and culture.
Sangeetacharya – 1995
She was honoured with the title of Sangeetacharya in 1995 in recognition of her contribution to music.
Silpi Award – 2003
The Government of Assam conferred the Silpi Award on Dr. Lakshahira Das in 2003.
Amol Prabha Das Award – 2011
She received the Amol Prabha Das Award in 2011.
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award – 2022
One of the most significant recognitions in her career was the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2022.
The award is particularly important for APSC aspirants because the Sangeet Natak Akademi is India’s national academy for music, dance and drama.
Basanti Bordoloi Award
Dr. Lakshahira Das was also conferred the Basanti Bordoloi Award by Axam Xahitya Xabha, recognising her contribution to Assamese literary and cultural life.
Dr. Lakshahira Das and Women Empowerment
The life and career of Dr. Lakshahira Das can also be viewed from the perspective of women’s participation in education and cultural life.
She built a distinguished career in academia while simultaneously establishing herself as a singer, composer, lyricist and writer.
Her early recognition by All India Radio in 1948 and her later academic achievements demonstrate the expanding role of women in Assam’s education, literature and performing arts.
For APSC Mains, her life can be cited as an example when discussing:
- Women’s contribution to Assamese culture
- Women’s participation in higher education
- Preservation of regional languages and literature
- Role of artists in cultural identity
- Contribution of women to India’s performing arts
Dr. Lakshahira Das Passed Away in 2025
Dr. Lakshahira Das passed away in March 2025 in Guwahati at the age of 94.
Her death marked the end of a long career dedicated to education, Assamese literature and music. Her contribution continues to be remembered through her songs, writings, academic work and cultural legacy.
Her death is also significant from an APSC current affairs perspective, as questions on recently deceased prominent personalities can appear in Assam-specific examinations.
Why Is Dr. Lakshahira Das Important for APSC?
The significance of Dr. Lakshahira Das for APSC goes beyond memorising her birth, death and award details.
Her life connects several important areas of the Assam-specific syllabus.
APSC Prelims
For Prelims, focus on factual associations:
- Dr. Lakshahira Das was a writer, singer, lyricist, composer and professor.
- She received recognition from All India Radio in 1948.
- She received her doctoral degree from Gauhati University in 1973.
- She retired as Head of the Department of Education, Gauhati University, in 1993.
- She was honoured with the title Sangeetacharya in 1995.
- She received the Silpi Award in 2003.
- She received the Amol Prabha Das Award in 2011.
- She received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2022.
- She composed more than 2,000 songs.
- She passed away in March 2025 in Guwahati at the age of 94.
APSC Mains
For Mains, Dr. Lakshahira Das can be used as a case study or example in answers concerning:
Assamese culture: Her contribution to Assamese music and literature demonstrates the role of individuals in preserving regional cultural identity.
Women empowerment: Her simultaneous achievements in education, literature and performing arts demonstrate women’s contribution to Assam’s intellectual and cultural development.
Education: Her academic career and leadership at Gauhati University highlight the role of educators in strengthening higher education in Assam.
Cultural preservation: Her songs and literary works demonstrate how artists and writers contribute to preserving regional languages and cultural traditions.
APSC Prelims MCQs on Dr. Lakshahira Das
Question 1
Consider the following statements about Dr. Lakshahira Das:
- She was a writer, singer, lyricist and composer.
- She received recognition from All India Radio in 1948.
- She received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2022.
- She served as Head of the Department of Education at Gauhati University.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: 1, 2, 3 and 4
Question 2
Dr. Lakshahira Das is associated with which of the following fields?
A. Literature and music
B. Archaeology
C. Classical dance alone
D. Wildlife conservation
Answer: A. Literature and music
Question 3
In which year did Dr. Lakshahira Das receive recognition from All India Radio?
A. 1945
B. 1948
C. 1950
D. 1952
Answer: B. 1948
Question 4
Which of the following awards was conferred on Dr. Lakshahira Das in 2022?
A. Bharat Ratna
B. Jnanpith Award
C. Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
D. Padma Vibhushan
Answer: C. Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
APSC Mains Answer Value Addition
Aspirants can use Dr. Lakshahira Das as an example in an answer on women’s contribution to Assam’s cultural development:
Dr. Lakshahira Das exemplifies the multifaceted contribution of Assamese women to education, literature and performing arts. Her career as an educationist, writer, lyricist, composer and singer demonstrates how individual contributions can strengthen regional cultural identity while advancing women’s participation in public and intellectual life.
This example can add Assam-specific value to an otherwise generic Mains answer.
Dr. Lakshahira Das: One-Minute Revision
Dr. Lakshahira Das → Assamese writer + singer + lyricist + composer + professor
1948 → All India Radio recognition
1973 → Doctoral degree from Gauhati University
1993 → Retired as Head, Department of Education, Gauhati University
1995 → Sangeetacharya
2003 → Silpi Award
2011 → Amol Prabha Das Award
2022 → Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
2,000+ → Songs composed
March 2025 → Passed away in Guwahati at 94
Conclusion
Dr. Lakshahira Das occupies an important place in Assam’s cultural and educational history. Her contributions as a writer, singer, lyricist, composer and professor reflect the interconnectedness of education, literature and performing arts.
For APSC aspirants, her life is particularly relevant because it provides both Prelims-ready factual information and Mains-ready examples on Assamese culture, women’s empowerment, education and preservation of regional heritage.
Remember the key facts: 1948 – AIR recognition; 1973 – doctorate; 1993 – retirement from Gauhati University; 1995 – Sangeetacharya; 2003 – Silpi Award; 2011 – Amol Prabha Das Award; 2022 – Sangeet Natak Akademi Award; 2025 – death.
FAQs on Dr. Lakshahira Das
Who was Dr. Lakshahira Das?
Dr. Lakshahira Das was an Assamese writer, singer, lyricist, composer and professor who contributed significantly to Assamese music, literature and education.
When did Dr. Lakshahira Das die?
Dr. Lakshahira Das passed away in March 2025 in Guwahati at the age of 94.
When did Dr. Lakshahira Das receive the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award?
She received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2022.
What are some important works of Dr. Lakshahira Das?
Some of her notable works include Prathama, Gitarghya, Lakshahirar Geet, Pranor Muktidhara, Tapashi, Prangangha, and Surya aru Sagoror Sadhu.