Guwahati, 23 October (HS): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday reviewed preparations for the grand finale of the year-long celebrations marking the birth centenary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, scheduled to be held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on November 29, 2026.

Chairing a meeting of the Centenary Celebration Committee at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Dispur, Sarma discussed arrangements to ensure that the concluding event becomes a memorable tribute to the legendary musician, poet and cultural icon.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the programme as the chief guest and pay tribute to Hazarika. He will also present the newly instituted national honour, the ‘Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Award’, in recognition of the maestro’s extraordinary contributions to Indian music and culture.

Around 5,000 admirers, distinguished guests and cultural enthusiasts from across the country are expected to participate in the event. Renowned singers Kavita Krishnamurthy, Shankar Mahadevan and Shreya Ghoshal will pay musical tributes to the legendary artiste, celebrating his enduring influence on India's cultural heritage.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister invited suggestions from committee members to make the event befitting Hazarika’s stature. He emphasised the need to showcase the maestro’s artistic achievements and take his timeless creations and universal message to a wider international audience.

Sarma said the culmination of the year-long celebrations should reflect the stature of an artiste whose creative genius enriched Assam and the nation. He stressed the importance of carrying forward Hazarika’s message of humanity, harmony and universal brotherhood to future generations while enhancing global recognition of his contributions to music, literature and culture.

The grand finale is envisioned as a landmark occasion celebrating Hazarika’s legacy as the ‘Bard of the Brahmaputra’, whose music and humanist philosophy transcended geographical and cultural boundaries and brought people together.

Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, Revenue Minister Keshab Mahanta, Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Fisheries Minister Nilima Devi, Social Justice and Empowerment and Soil Conservation Minister Ashwini Ray Sarkar, Chief Secretary-in-charge Ajay Tiwari, senior government officials and eminent cultural personalities who are members of the Centenary Celebration Committee attended the meeting.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash