January 26, 2025: Acclaimed filmmaker, poet, and social activist Tarun Bhartiya passed away on Saturday morning in Shillong following a heart attack. He was 54 years old. Bhartiya was rushed to Woodland Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Bhartiya is survived by his wife, Angela Rangad, and their three children—a daughter and two sons. According to family sources, the cremation will take place in Shillong on Monday, with relatives traveling from Patna to attend the ceremony.

Known for his creative brilliance and unwavering commitment to social causes, Bhartiya was a multifaceted personality who made significant contributions to filmmaking, poetry, photography, and human rights advocacy.

An accomplished poet, he wrote extensively in Hindi, crafting thought-provoking verses that resonated with audiences across India. As a filmmaker, his documentaries addressed critical environmental and human rights issues, earning him widespread recognition. In 2009, Bhartiya was honored with the National Film Award for editing In Camera: Diaries of a Documentary Cameraman.

In a bold act of protest in 2015, Bhartiya returned the prestigious Rajat Kamal award to President Pranab Mukherjee, expressing his discontent with the growing climate of intolerance in the country.

Bhartiya’s work extended beyond film and poetry. His evocative black-and-white photography, capturing the essence of Meghalaya’s landscapes and people, gained widespread acclaim.

More recently, he co-founded Shillong Humanists, a collective focused on fostering critical thinking and intellectual dialogue within the community. His contributions to creativity and activism have left an indelible mark on Shillong and beyond.

The news of his untimely demise has sent shockwaves through the creative and activist circles in Meghalaya. Tributes have poured in from across the country, with many hailing his relentless efforts to bring attention to societal issues and his unparalleled artistic legacy.

Bhartiya’s death is a profound loss to the fields of art, activism, and human rights advocacy, leaving behind a void that will be hard to fill.