PM Modi remembers Bhupen Hazarika on his 100th birth anniversary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday remembered legendary singer, composer, lyricist and filmmaker Dr Bhupen Hazarika on his 100th birth anniversary, highlighting his contribution to carrying the cultural voice of Assam and the Northeast to audiences across the country.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “On his 100th birth anniversary, remembering the legendary Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Ji.”
“His voice carried the soul of Assam and the spirit of the Northeast to the entire nation. Through his music he beautifully gave expression to the thoughts and spirit of countless people. His songs brought people closer,” the Prime Minister said.
PM Modi also recalled attending the launch of Hazarika’s birth centenary celebrations in Guwahati last year and said, “Bhupen Da’s life and work will continue to inspire generations.”
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also paid tribute to Hazarika on the occasion. Sarma recalled that PM Modi had launched the year-long birth centenary commemorations in September last year, setting the stage for celebrations of the Bharat Ratna awardee’s life and enduring contribution across the country.
Sarma expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister’s participation in the commemorations and said he looked forward to PM Modi’s presence at the concluding programme in New Delhi later this year.
Who was Bhupen Hazarika?
Born on September 8, 1926, in Sadiya, Assam, Bhupen Hazarika grew into one of the most influential cultural figures from the Northeast. His music, largely in Assamese, was marked by themes of humanity, universal brotherhood, social justice and empathy.
Hazarika’s work played an important role in taking the cultural traditions and folk music of Assam and the Northeast to a wider national audience. His songs also found resonance in West Bengal and Bangladesh, with several compositions being translated into Bengali and Hindi.
His artistic journey began at an early age. As a child in Tezpur, Hazarika was discovered by Assamese cultural icons Jyotiprasad Agarwala and Bishnu Prasad Rabha. At the age of 12, he sang two songs in Agarwala’s film Indramalati, marking an early beginning to a career that would span music, cinema, literature and public life.
Education and influence
Hazarika completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Political Science at Banaras Hindu University before travelling to the United States on a scholarship to Columbia University. He earned a doctorate there in 1952.
During his time in New York, he met American civil rights activist and musician Paul Robeson. The association had a lasting influence on Hazarika’s understanding of music as a means of social expression and change. His famous song Bistirno Parore drew heavily on the imagery and theme of Robeson’s Ol’ Man River.
After returning to India, Hazarika became closely associated with the Indian People’s Theatre Association and later established himself in Kolkata as a singer and music director. He contributed to Assamese, Bengali and Hindi cinema and directed and composed music for several films.
Songs such as Bistirno Parore, Moi Eti Jajabor, Manuhe Manuhor Babé and Buku Hom Hom Kore remain among his best-known works.
A legacy recognised with India’s highest honours
Hazarika received several major national honours during his lifetime, including the National Film Award for Best Music Direction, Padma Shri, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Padma Bhushan and Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship.
He was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2012 and the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, in 2019.
Hazarika died on November 5, 2011, in Mumbai. His funeral in Guwahati was attended by an estimated half a million people, reflecting the extraordinary public affection he commanded in Assam.
Hazarika’s music continues to serve as a cultural bridge, carrying the stories, aspirations and identity of Assam and the Northeast to generations of listeners. His birth centenary celebrations seek to further commemorate a legacy that extends beyond music into cinema, literature, social consciousness and India’s cultural landscape.
