- Governor pays glowing tributes to Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika on his birth centenary

Guwahati, 08 September (HS): Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya along with Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, paid floral tributes to Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika on the occasion of his birth centenary at the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Samannay Tirtha here on Monday. The ceremony marked the inauguration of the year-long centenary celebrations dedicated to honoring the life and legacy of the Bard of Brahmaputra.

In his address, the Governor described Dr. Hazarika as “The soul of Assam and a symbol of India’s cultural consciousness. The centenary celebration is not merely an event of remembrance, but a festival of inspiration, aimed at igniting the imagination of generations to come. This is a celebration of the soul of Assam a tribute to a man whose voice echoed not only across our state but throughout the nation and the world.

Acknowledging the State government's initiative to commemorate the centenary year, the Governor appreciated Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and his team for their efforts in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Assam and bringing them to the fore before the younger generation.

Reflecting on Assam’s rich legacy, the Governor highlighted the contributions of historical and literary figures such as Lachit Borphukan, Veer Chilarai, Dr. Banikanta Kakati, Ambikagiri Raichoudhury, Lakshminath Bezbaruah, Anandaram Baruah etc, all of whom laid the foundation for Assam’s identity and intellectual spirit. In that proud tradition, he said, Dr. Bhupen Hazarika emerged as a “precious gem”, who through his music, infused a new cultural awareness across India.

Quoting iconic songs like “Manuhe Manuhor Babe,” “Moi Eti Zazabor,” and “Dil Hoom Hoom Kore,” the Governor emphasized how Dr. Hazarika’s music resonated with people from all walks of life articulating the struggles of workers, the hopes of the common man, and the shared humanity that binds all. “Dr. Hazarika didn’t merely sing, he stirred the conscience of a nation. His music was a rallying cry against injustice and a bridge connecting communities, cultures, and generations,” the Governor said.

The Governor also reiterated the lines of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who expressed happiness and pride to be the Member of Parliament from the place where Bhupen Hazarika received his education. Dr. Hazarika’s contribution during the Bangladesh Liberation War, his promotion of peace and unity in neighboring countries like Nepal and Bhutan, and his international recognition underscore his status as a global artiste and cultural ambassador. The conferment of the Bharat Ratna upon him, the Governor stated, is a recognition of a life dedicated to the uplift of society through art, and music.

“Dr. Bhupen Hazarika was not just a cultural icon; he was a humanist, a visionary, and a voice for the voiceless,” said the Governor. “Let us carry forward his message that art is not just for admiration, but a tool for transformation.” The Governor urged everybody to take inspiration from Dr. Hazarika’s life and work towards building a just, equitable, and compassionate society rooted in India’s rich cultural heritage. “Let us pledge to preserve and cherish our cultural legacy and ensure that voices like Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s continue to guide and inspire us in the years to come,” Acharya stated.

Minister Cultural Affairs Bimal Bora, Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Public Health Engineering Minister Jayanta Malla Barua, MLA West Guwahati Ramendra Narayan Kalita, Mayor Guwahati Municipal Corporation Mrigen Sarania, Additional Chief Secretary, Cultural Affairs B. Kalyan Chakravarthy, family members of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Tez Hazarika, Samar Hazarika, former MP Queen Oja along with a host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

On this occasion, at a different programme held at Raj Bhavan, floral tributes were also paid to Dr. Bhupen Hazarika by all officers and staff of Raj Bhavan.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash