Tributes paid to ‘Sudhakantha’ on his 97th birth anniversary

HT Bureau

DIPHU, Sept 8: Diphu Club celebrated the 97th birth anniversary of the legendary bard, Dr Bhupen Hazarika. On this special occasion, the statue of Dr Hazarika was unveiled by the chief executive member (CEM) of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), Tuliram Ronghang, in Diphu on Friday.

Tonu Mazumdar, a member of Diphu Club, shared that the statue was funded under the MP untied fund, generously donated by Rajya Sabha MP Pabitra Margherita with a contribution of Rs 7.5 lakhs. The funds were sanctioned through the district administration of Karbi Anglong for the statue’s construction. The statue, standing at an impressive height of 11 feet, is crafted from fibre.

CEM Tuliram Ronghang noted that Madhab Borah also made significant contributions to this initiative. Furthermore, he announced plans for the construction of an entrance gate in memory of Dr Bhupen Hazarika, with an allocation of Rs 20 lakhs.

Distinguished individuals present at the event included MP Horensing Bey, MLA Bidyasing Engleng, Executive Members (EMs) of KAAC, MACs, SP of Karbi Anglong Sanjib Kumar Saikia, and Padmashree Rongbong Terang.

An LGBI Airport release: In Guwahati, the staff and officers of LGBI Airport paid tribute to the legendary Assamese singer Bhupen Hazarika on the occasion of his 97th birth anniversary. Bhupen Hazarika was a renowned Indian singer, composer, writer, and filmmaker, and his immense contributions to Indian music, cinema, and literature are being fondly remembered.

Airport employees gathered to offer floral tributes to the legendary artist and discussed his significant role in shaping Assamese and Indian cultural heritage. COO Snehasish Dutta addressed the gathering, highlighting Bhupen Hazarika’s cultural journey. He emphasised how Hazarika’s music and art had resonated not only across India but also worldwide, from the Ganges to the Mississippi.

Banajit Ojah also spoke about Bhupen Hazarika’s life journey and his substantial contributions to Assam and the north-eastern region of India. Ojah noted that Bhupen Hazarika is one of the most revered figures in Assam, alongside Srimanta Sankardev and Madhabdev.

Our Tezpur correspondent adds: Throughout Sonitpur district and the rest of the state, organisations came together to honour the legendary musician Dr Bhupen Hazarika on what would have been his 97th birthday. In Tezpur, a heartfelt tribute was offered at the Bhupen Hazarika Kalabhumi by the Sonitpur district administration in collaboration with the esteemed cultural organisation, Sur Sangam.

The ceremony, held under the theme ‘Suposhit Bharat, Sakshar Bharat, Sashakt Bharat’ (Nutrition-rich India, Educated India, Empowered India)’, highlighted the unparalleled contributions of the renowned cultural icon to the world of music. MLA Tezpur, Prithiraj Rabha, Sonitpur DC, Deba Kumar Mishra, and the respected educationist and social leader, Mahendra Nath Keot, initiated the shraddhanjali (tribute) by lighting earthen lamps before the statue of Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika at Kalabhumi. Dignitaries present included former president of Tezpur Sahitya Sabha and retired professor Purneswar Nath, president of Tarun Asom Sangha, Dr Bhubaneswar Saharia, president of Sonitpur Zila Sahitya Sabha, Dr Bhupen Saikia, and others from the cultural and artistic community.

Sonitpur DC Deba Kumar Mishra and MLA Tezpur Prithiraj Rabha expressed their deep admiration for Dr Bhupen Hazarika and highlighted his immense contributions to Assamese culture. Renowned actor Arun Nath and actress Krishna Das Nath shared their fond memories of the great artist, emphasising the irreplaceable void left by his passing.

Several organisations, including Baan Theatre Tezpur, Jyoti Bharati (POKI), Tarun Asom Sangha, ‘Sudhakantha’ Dr Bhupen Hazarika Kala Sangeet Academy, Bihaguri, Prahlad Chandra Das Memorial Nrityashala, and others, also organised various programs to commemorate the day. Baan Theatre family paid tribute to the legendary artist by lighting a ceremonial lantern.

A cultural evening featuring songs by Dr Bhupen Hazarika was organised by Sur Sangam at Kalabhumi, directed by noted artist Anil Kumar Bhattacharyya. Various local artists participated in this event, creating a memorable homage to the music maestro’s enduring legacy.

Our Jorhat correspondent adds: Students from six schools in Jorhat celebrated the 97th birth anniversary of the renowned musician and cultural icon, Sudhakantha Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. The event was organized by the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Foundation of Jorhat at the DCB Girls’ High School auditorium.

During the program, around one hundred students paid tribute to Dr. Bhupen Hazarika by singing his songs and performing a dance. The Foundation members also offered floral tributes in front of a portrait of the maestro, recalling his invaluable contributions to culture, literature, film, and music.