Professor Kamal K Roy, former faculty member of the English department at North Bengal University, passed away on 23 April at his residence in Shiv Mandir, Siliguri, following a prolonged renal illness. He was 86.

His wife had predeceased him in December 2023. He is survived by a daughter, a son, and three grandchildren.

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Since the news of his passing, former students and scholars—many of whom completed their PhDs under his guidance—have been sharing fond memories and tributes, remembering him not just as a teacher, but as a towering presence in their intellectual journeys.

Prof Roy joined the university at its very inception in 1962, and soon became a flagship figure in the department. Revered for his profound learning, razor-sharp intellect, and unwavering commitment to rigorous teaching, he represented that rare breed of educators who believed that deep, meaningful teaching was the true essence of a teacher’s role.