नवीनतम
Bhupen Hazarika's year-long birth centenary celebrations begin
GUWAHATI [Maha Media]: The year-long birth centenary celebrations of legendary singer Bhupen Hazarika commenced in Assam on Monday, with Governor Laxman Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma paying tributes to the musical doyen.
The inaugural ceremony of the celebrations was held at the Dr Bhupen Hazarika Samannay Tirtha in Guwahati, the place where he was cremated in November 2011.
The governor and the chief minister paid tributes to the maestro on his birth anniversary, while 100 prominent personalities raised a flag in his honour. A musical programme was also held on the occasion.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tributes to legendary Assamese artist Bhupen Hazarika on his birth anniversary, describing him as “one of the most extraordinary voices India has ever known” and recalling his unparalleled contribution to music, culture, and public life.
Writing in a special blog post, the Prime Minister noted that this year marks the beginning of Hazarika’s birth centenary celebrations, calling it an occasion to reflect on his monumental contributions to Indian artistic expression and public consciousness. “Generations have grown up listening to his songs, each word resonating with kindness, social justice, unity, and a sense of belonging,” said PM Modi.
He described Hazarika as “the heartbeat of the people” whose legacy extended far beyond music, embodying emotions that transcended melody. He added that Hazarika always carried the spirit of Assam’s indigenous identity and connected deeply with humanity even as he travelled the globe.
Recalling Hazarika’s early life, the Prime Minister said brilliance shone through at an early age. At just five years old, he performed publicly and caught the attention of Assamese literary pioneer Lakshminath Bezbarua. By his teenage years, Hazarika had already recorded his first song.
PM Modi also highlighted Hazarika’s academic journey, from Cotton College to Banaras Hindu University and later to the United States, where he interacted with eminent personalities, including African-American singer-activist Paul Robeson. Robeson’s iconic song “Ol’ Man River” inspired Hazarika’s celebrated composition “Bistirno Parore.” During his time abroad, he was awarded a Gold Medal by Eleanor Roosevelt for his performances of Indian folk music.
Recalling the outpouring of grief at his passing in 2011, PM Modi wrote: “Lakhs attended his funeral. Every eye was moist. Even in death, like in life, he brought people together. It was fitting that he was cremated on the Jalukbari hillock overlooking the Brahmaputra – the very river that was the lifeline of his music and metaphors.”
The Prime Minister also lauded the Assam Government’s efforts through the Bhupen Hazarika Cultural Trust to carry forward his legacy for future generations.
“His music teaches us to be compassionate and courageous. It reminds us of our rivers, labourers, tea workers, Nari Shakti, and Yuva Shakti. It inspires unity in diversity,” PM Modi said.
He concluded by calling Hazarika’s life a shining example of empathy, compassion, and rootedness. “Bharat is blessed to have Bhupen Hazarika. As we begin his centenary year, let us spread his message far and wide. Just as his songs connected hearts across regions, it is only fitting that the Dhola-Sadiya bridge – one of India’s most important infrastructure projects – carries his name, connecting people and lands just as Bhupen Da’s music did.”
