Guwahati, Sep 8 (PTI) Assam Governor Laxman Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday paid tributes to legendary singer Bhupen Hazarika, marking the inauguration of the year-long birth centenary celebrations of the maestro.
The governor and the chief minister paid floral tributes at the Dr Bhupen Hazarika Samannay Tirtha near Gauhati University, the place where he was cremated in November 2011.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leading the entire nation in offering tributes to Bhupen Hazarika. The PM has also written a very nice and relevant article, and I offer my deep gratitude to him,” the CM said on the sidelines of the programme here.
The PM, in an article published in all major newspapers of the state, paid tribute to Hazarika, saying his legacy extends far beyond music as his works embodied emotions that transcended melody.
“More than just a voice, he was the heartbeat of the people. Generations have grown up listening to his songs, each word resonating with themes of kindness, social justice, unity and deep-rooted belonging,” the PM wrote.
The Assam government, in association with the entire people of the state, is celebrating Hazarika’s birth centenary, and on September 13, the Prime Minister will come to the state to participate in a “special tribute meeting”, Sarma said.
The state government will also organise special meetings in memory of the Bharat Ratna recipient in Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Delhi, he said.
The Reserve Bank of India has brought out a commemorative coin of Rs 100 to honour him, which will be released by the PM here on September 13.
A biography of the maestro has been written by Sahitya Akademi award-winning author Anuradha Sarma Pujari, which will be translated into all major Indian languages, the CM said.
“The state government will ensure that it reaches all the libraries of the country,” he added.
Sarma said that he offers his deep gratitude to the people of the state for celebrating the Dada Saheb Phalke award winner’s birth centenary in such a dignified manner.
The President of India will attend the closing ceremony of the birth centenary celebrations, to be organised by the state government, in New Delhi on September 8, 2026, the CM said.
Hazarika’s only son Tez Hazarika, along with the latter’s wife and son, have arrived here from the USA to attend the centenary celebrations.
“The legacy of Sudhakanta lives on, in our hearts, minds and souls. Today, on his jayanti, I am offering my solemn tributes to the Bard of Brahmaputra, Dr Bhupen Hazarika,” the chief minister said in a post on X.
Earlier, in another post, the CM said Hazarika remains an inspiration for all.
“His life and times are an example in itself. His love for Assam and Bharat is one to take inspiration from, by all,” Sarma said.
“Today, we celebrate the life of a legend who carried Assam to the world through his soulful melodies and made humanity his tune & love his anthem. We celebrate the Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika, on his jayanti, remembering his life which was poetry in itself,” the CM said in another post.
The Bhupen Hazarika Cultural Trust, founded by him during his lifetime, along with the Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra Society, organised a programme which included hoisting of the Trust’s flag by 100 prominent personalities, led by nonagenarian Sattriya dance Nrityacharya Jatin Goswami.
Musical programmes by various indigenous groups were held, and lamps were lit in front of the museum dedicated to Hazarika on the premises.
The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) organised programmes across the state with students offering tributes to the legend at public places in all district headquarters of the state, along with singing his iconic song ‘Manuhe Manuher babe’ (If humans do not care for humans).
Hazarika, popularly called ‘Sudhakanta’, was born at Sadiya in Tinsukia district, on September 8, 1926. PTI DG DG ACD
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