Dr. Bhupen Hazarika was one of the greatest Assamese of the post-Sankardeva era: CM
PM Narendra Modi attends birth centenary celebrations of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika
PM’s participation has enhanced the grandeur of the celebrations: CM
PM unveils commemorative coin and releases biography of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday graced the event, marking the year-long centenary celebrations of the “Bard of the Brahmaputra” Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, in the presence of Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma at the Veterinary College Playground, Khanapara in Guwahati.
In his address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the illustrious life and immense contributions of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika to the nation. On this occasion, the Prime Minister also released a commemorative coin prepared by the Reserve Bank of India, in the memory of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, and formally launched a biography of the music maestro, translated into 21 Indian languages.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma paid heartfelt tributes to Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika on behalf of the people of Assam. The Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister’s presence at the centenary celebrations of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika has made the occasion even more special and memorable. He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for the rich tributes paid to Dr. Bhupen Hazarika through the article he wrote on 8th September, marking the legend’s birth anniversary.
The Chief Minister said that Dr. Hazarika was one of the greatest Assamese personalities born after Srimanta Sankardeva and a shining light in Assam’s socio-political life. Through his music, poetry, films, and deep social consciousness, he carried the society forward in new directions. He mentioned that rising above barriers of rich and poor, Dr. Hazarika dreamt of building a world filled with compassion and equality. He touched millions of hearts across the globe through his songs and his influence continues to inspire generation after generation, Dr. Sarma added.
The Chief Minister said the life of Dr. Hazarika was a grand musical journey. Inspired by the humanist ideals of Srimanta Sankardeva and Madhavdeva, and enriched by the creative brilliance of Jyotiprasad Agarwalla and Bishnu Prasad Rabha, he carried forward music with a sense of social responsibility. He realized that songs must not only entertain but also give voice to the sufferings, dreams, and aspirations of the people. Drawing from the vast wealth of Assamese folk traditions, he gave his creations a unique strength and depth. His songs reflected a profound and genuine love for the nation. Dr. Sarma added.
The Chief Minister also recalled Dr. Hazarika’s unmatched contribution to cinema, which earned him the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honour in Indian cinema. As Chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, his efforts to secure national recognition for Sattriya dance remain a landmark contribution to Assamese culture, the Chief Minister exhorted.
Dr. Sarma expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bestowing the Bharat Ratna on Dr. Hazarika in 2019, naming the Dhola-Sadiya Bridge after him, and for releasing a special Rs.100 commemorative coin on his birth centenary.
Chief Minister Dr. Sarma said that the past five years have not only marked a new era of Assam’s development but also a renewed awakening of its culture. He highlighted that according classical language status to the Assamese language, securing UNESCO World Heritage recognition for Charaideo Maidams, showcasing Bihu and Jhumoir dance on the global stage, paying homage to Lachit Barphukan on his 400th birth anniversary, and now, celebrating the birth centenary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika in presence of the Prime Minister, have brought moments of pride to the people of Assam.
It is noteworthy that to mark the birth centenary celebrations of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, thousands of artistes of different age groups today presented 13 of his songs and one lyrical poem in a chorus performance, adding grandeur to the event.
While Cultural Affairs Minister Bimal Bora delivered the welcome address, Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s brother, Samar Hazarika, also spoke on the occasion.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Chief Minister, Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu, MP Bijuli Kalita Medhi, Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s son Tej Hazarika, and his sister Kavita Barua were also present on the occasion. Several other ministers, MLAs, MPs and prominent personalities from different fields also took part in the event.
