Artist and Former Rajya Sabha MP Jogen Chowdhury Dies at 87

Indian painter and former Rajya Sabha member Jogen Chowdhury died in a private hospital in Kolkata on 25 October 2026, aged 87. He was born on 15 February 1939 in Faridpur, then part of British India and now in Bangladesh.

Life and artistic practice

Chowdhury was known for a style combining traditional Indian aesthetics with modernist approaches. His work used media including ink, watercolour and pastel. He received the Padma Bhushan in 2020, India’s third-highest civilian award. Chowdhury’s artistic career spanned several decades, and his works formed the basis of Charubasona, a museum he opened in 2019 to house his life’s work. Charubasona is associated with his artistic legacy and was among the places included in plans for his final rites.

Public service

Chowdhury represented the Trinamool Congress in the Rajya Sabha, the Council of States in India’s Parliament. His term ran from 3 April 2014 to 2 April 2020. The Rajya Sabha is a permanent House and is not subject to dissolution; one-third of its members retire every two years.

Illness and death

Chowdhury had been receiving treatment for myeloproliferative neoplasm, a group of rare disorders involving abnormal production of blood cells in the bone marrow. He had been undergoing chemotherapy for about 14 to 18 months. He was admitted to hospital on 16 October 2026 with complications, including an infection and a urinary tract infection. He was later placed on ventilator support and died at about 10:15 a.m. on 25 October.

Important Facts for Exams

:

• The Rajya Sabha is the upper House of India’s Parliament and represents the states and Union territories.
• Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by elected members of State Legislative Assemblies using proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.
• The Padma Bhushan is awarded by the President of India for distinguished service of a high order.
• Myeloproliferative neoplasms are disorders that originate in the bone marrow and affect the production of blood cells.

Chowdhury’s Rajya Sabha membership lasted from 2014 to 2020. He opened Charubasona in 2019 to house his life’s works.