Guwahati, 08 September (HS): Assam has rolled out a year-long series of cultural events to mark the birth centenary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, the legendary singer, composer and bard of the Brahmaputra.

The celebrations began with an inaugural ceremony at Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Samannay Kshetra in Guwahati, where Governor Laxman Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma paid floral tributes at the maestro’s memorial. The site, which houses his cremation ground, turned into a hub of emotion and pride as 100 eminent personalities jointly hoisted a flag in his honour, followed by a musical presentation dedicated to his works.

Hazarika’s son, Tez Hazarika, accompanied by his wife and son, flew in from the United States to be part of the commemoration. The centenary observance is also set to gain national attention with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to join the events on September 13 during his visit to Assam.

Chief Minister Sarma, calling Hazarika a “global voice of humanity,” underlined the enduring relevance of his art. “His love for Assam and Bharat continues to inspire generations. Through his songs, he carried Assam to the world and made humanity his anthem,” he wrote on X.

The BJP-led government’s recognitions for Hazarika, Sarma added, include the posthumous Bharat Ratna, renaming of Dibrugarh Airport in his memory, and a commemorative coin in his likeness.

The state-wide celebrations drew appreciation from Hazarika’s younger brother, Samar Hazarika, who termed it “the first-ever national-scale honour for an Assamese artiste.” He also lauded cultural groups and NGOs for planning parallel programmes across Assam.

Meanwhile, the Bhupen Hazarika Cultural Trust organised a tribute at Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra, complete with musical performances and lamp-lighting before the museum dedicated to him. District administrations have also joined in, with Nagon preparing to host 15,000 students who will together sing his immortal “Manuhe Manuhor Babe” on September 10 — an event set to be recorded by the India Book of Records.

Born on September 8, 1926, at Sadiya in Tinsukia district, Hazarika earned the affectionate title “Sudhakantha.” His songs, woven with themes of humanity, justice and empathy, crossed geographical and linguistic boundaries, making him a cultural icon of both Assam and India.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash