HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Nov 5: Assam on Wednesday paid heartfelt tributes to Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika on his 14th death anniversary with programmes held across the state to honour the legendary cultural icon whose music continues to inspire generations.
Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma led the state in paying homage at the ‘Samannay Kshetra’ in Jalukbari, Guwahati, where the bard of the Brahmaputra was cremated.
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The ‘Shraddhanjali’ programme was organised by the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Assam, and witnessed massive participation by citizens, artistes, students, and youth.
As part of the event, a human chain was formed and participants rendered Dr Hazarika’s immortal composition ‘Manuhe Manuhor Babe’ in unison.
The song was simultaneously sung across all 35 districts and 27 sub-divisions of Assam, with more than two lakh people joining in from both Barak and Brahmaputra valleys and from Assamese communities living abroad.
Expressing his gratitude to the people for their overwhelming participation, chief minister Sarma said the government has initiated the process of securing recognition from the United Nations for ‘Manuhe Manuhor Babe’ as a “Global Song of Humanity.”
He expressed confidence that just as the state succeeded in obtaining UNESCO World Heritage status for the Charaideo Maidam and Classical Language status for Assamese, it would also achieve international recognition for Dr. Hazarika’s universal message of brotherhood.
The chief minister announced that every town in Assam will soon have a road named after Dr Bhupen Hazarika. He further informed that a 100-foot-tall statue of the musical legend will be installed at the zero point of the Dhola–Sadiya Bridge to immortalise his contribution to strengthening the cultural bond between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
As part of the centenary celebrations of Dr Hazarika’s birth anniversary—launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September—the state government will organise similar cultural programmes in Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad, culminating in a grand concluding function in the national capital.
The chief minister also announced that during Rongali Bihu celebrations, one evening will be dedicated exclusively to the memory of Dr Hazarika, with additional grants to Bihu committees for the same.
Sarma further said that another iconic song, ‘Swahid Pranamo Tumak’, written during the Assam Agitation, will be sung across the state on December 10 to mark Swahid Diwas (Martyrs’ Day).
Cultural affairs minister Bimal Bora, Additional chief secretary Dr B Kalyan Chakravarthy, director of cultural affairs Rahul Das, Kamrup (M) deputy commissioner Sumit Sattawan, Dr Hazarika’s younger brother Samar Hazarika, and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Earlier in the day, Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya paid floral tributes to Dr Hazarika at a solemn ceremony held at Raj Bhavan.
Describing him as “a symbol of Assam’s cultural pride and human values,” the Governor said Dr Hazarika’s timeless creations continue to inspire with messages of harmony, justice, and universal brotherhood.
He said the multi-dimensional contributions of the Sudhakantha as a singer, lyricist, composer, poet, and filmmaker reflected his deep commitment to humanity and social harmony, urging the youth to draw inspiration from his life and ideals to build a society rooted in peace, culture, and mutual respect.
Memorial programmes, musical tributes, and cultural performances were held across the state by government departments, cultural organisations, and educational institutions, as Assam united in remembrance of the bard whose voice still echoes in the hearts of millions. (With inputs from PTI)
