Guwahati: Assam on Monday kicked off a year-long series of cultural programmes to mark the birth centenary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, the legendary singer, composer and “Bard of the Brahmaputra.”
The inaugural ceremony was held at Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Samannay Kshetra in Guwahati, where Governor Laxman Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma paid floral tributes at the music maestro’s memorial. The site — which houses his cremation ground — became a hub of emotion as 100 eminent personalities jointly hoisted a flag in his honour, followed by soulful musical performances of his classics.
Hazarika’s son, Tez Hazarika, along with his family, flew in from the United States to participate in the centenary event. Adding to the significance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to join the commemorations on September 13 during his upcoming visit to Assam.
Chief Minister Sarma described Hazarika as a “global voice of humanity,” noting that his art carried Assam to the world. “Through his songs, he gave humanity its anthem,” Sarma wrote on X. He highlighted the BJP-led government’s recognitions for Hazarika, including the posthumous Bharat Ratna, the renaming of Dibrugarh Airport, and the release of a commemorative coin in his likeness.
The celebrations drew praise from Hazarika’s younger brother, Samar Hazarika, who called it the “first-ever national-scale honour for an Assamese artiste.” Cultural groups and NGOs are also planning parallel programmes across the state.
The Bhupen Hazarika Cultural Trust organised a tribute at Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra, featuring musical renditions and lamp-lighting before the museum dedicated to him. District administrations too have stepped in — with Nagaon preparing to host 15,000 students on September 10 for a record-breaking performance of his immortal classic Manuhe Manuhor Babe, to be documented by the India Book of Records.
Born on September 8, 1926, in Sadiya, Tinsukia district, Hazarika earned the title Sudhakantha for his unmatched contribution to Indian music and culture. His songs of humanity, justice, and empathy transcended boundaries, cementing his place as an icon of Assam and India alike.
