HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Sept 7: The state is all set to commence year-long celebrations marking the birth centenary of legendary singer, lyricist, composer and cultural icon Dr Bhupen Hazarika from Monday.
The celebrations, described by chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as an “unprecedented effort” to honour the maestro’s legacy, will feature a series of cultural, academic and community events aimed at connecting new generations with his timeless contributions to music, humanity and Assamese culture.
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Taking to social media on Sunday, CM Sarma highlighted the initiatives taken by both the state and central governments, including conferring the Bharat Ratna, renaming the Dibrugarh airport in his honour, and issuing a commemorative coin to celebrate his enduring legacy.
“From bestowing the Bharat Ratna to renaming the Dibrugarh Airport and issuing a commemorative coin, our Govt is honouring Bhupen Da like never before,” Sarma posted.
The year-long observances, termed #BhupenDaAt100, aim to celebrate the ‘Bard of Brahmaputra’ whose compositions carried messages of love, humanity, brotherhood and justice.
“Just one day to go for the beginning of the birth centenary celebrations of our beloved Bhupen Da. His life and times are an example in itself. His love for Assam and Bharat is one to take inspiration from by all,” the chief minister added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the celebrations on September 13, the first day of his two-day visit to Assam.
His address at a public rally and the inauguration of the bio-refinery project at Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) in Golaghat district are expected to include tributes to the cultural icon.
The inaugural ceremony will be held at the Dr Bhupen Hazarika Samannay Tirtha in Guwahati, where the maestro was cremated in November 2011.
Governor Laxman Prasad Acharya, CM Sarma, Cultural Affairs Minister Bimal Bora, and senior officials will join family members and dignitaries at the event.
Tez Hazarika, Bhupen Hazarika’s only son, along with his wife and son, have arrived from the USA to participate in the celebrations.
As part of the opening events, the Bhupen Hazarika Cultural Trust will organise musical performances and lighting lamps at the Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra.
A documentary titled Bhupen da Uncut, directed by Bobbeeta Sharma, was released on Sunday.
The 65-minute film offers an intimate glimpse into the maestro’s life, including his childhood interactions with cultural figures like Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, his educational journey in New York, marriage to Priyamvada Patel, and his philosophy of life.
In Nagaon, a musical event titled Shatabarshar Sandhya will be held at Hazarika’s former residence in Kuthori near Kaziranga National Park, which the state recently purchased.
The house, where he composed many of his evergreen songs, is slated to be converted into a cultural complex and museum.
On September 10, a mass singing event will be held at Nurul Amin Stadium where 15,000 students from across schools, colleges and universities will sing his iconic song Manuhe Manuher Babe (“If humans do not care for humans”), with officials from the India Book of Records documenting the attempt.
Further reflecting the spirit of his compositions, the Kamrup Metro District Transport Department, in collaboration with the Guwahati Auto Rickshaw Coordination Committee, organised a programme on Sunday themed around his popular song Ami Dui Bhai Autorickshaw Cholau (“We two brothers drive an auto”), celebrating the dignity of labour.
Born on September 8, 1926, in Sadiya, Tinsukia district, Bhupen Hazarika’s works transcend regional boundaries. Known affectionately as “Sudhakanta” and “Bhupen Da,” he remains a towering figure in Indian music and culture, celebrated for blending Assamese folk traditions with universal themes that continue to inspire generations.
The centenary celebrations are expected to continue throughout the year with exhibitions, seminars and cultural programmes, ensuring that the maestro’s legacy remains vibrant for years to come. (With inputs from PTI)
