Nationwide celebrations marking Bhupen Hazarika’s birth centenary: Assam CM

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday paid a heartfelt tribute to legendary musician, singer, composer and filmmaker Dr Bhupen Hazarika on his 100th birth anniversary, describing the cultural icon as an emotion deeply embedded in the heart and soul of Assam.

In a post on X, Sarma said Hazarika’s timeless music and profound words continued to inspire generations and had carried the spirit, stories and dreams of Assam far beyond the state. “Dr Bhupen Hazarika is more than a name; he is an emotion that lives in the heart and soul of Assam. His timeless music and profound words continue to inspire generations,” Sarma said.

The Chief Minister said the year-long nationwide celebrations marking Hazarika’s birth centenary had reaffirmed the enduring legacy of the “Bard of the Brahmaputra”. Sarma described Hazarika as the legendary “Sudhakantha” and said his contribution went beyond music, with his artistic work becoming a powerful vehicle for taking Assam’s cultural identity and aspirations to audiences across the country and beyond.

The Chief Minister also responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tribute to Hazarika on his birth centenary.

Sarma described the PM’s message as a fitting tribute to the legendary artiste and recalled that the Prime Minister had launched the year-long centenary commemorations in Guwahati last year. Sarma expressed gratitude for PM Modi’s personal guidance and participation in the celebrations and said he looked forward to the Prime Minister’s presence at the concluding programme in New Delhi later this year.

The centenary celebrations have been organised to showcase Hazarika’s immense contribution to music, cinema, literature and India’s cultural landscape. In Assam, tributes were paid at the Bhupen Hazarika Samannay Tirtha in Guwahati, where Sarma joined people from different sections of society in remembering the iconic artiste.

Born on September 8, 1926, in Sadiya, Assam, Hazarika went on to become one of India’s most influential cultural figures. His songs drew heavily from the lives, struggles and aspirations of ordinary people while promoting themes of humanity, harmony and universal brotherhood. His artistic journey also took him beyond Assam, particularly to Kolkata and Mumbai, where he made significant contributions to Indian music and cinema.

Hazarika was awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously in 2019. His 100th birth anniversary is being marked through year-long programmes celebrating his enduring legacy.

Sarma’s tribute comes as Assam seeks to preserve and pass on the cultural legacy of one of its most celebrated sons to future generations.

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