
Guwahati: The immortal voice of Sudhakantha Bhupen Hazarika resonated at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, as the India Pavilion hosted a special centenary celebration honouring the legendary bard of the Brahmaputra. The event served as a cultural bridge, showcasing Assam’s rich heritage while reaffirming Dr. Hazarika’s universal message of humanity, peace, and brotherhood. The evening’s highlight was a captivating dance presentation by renowned Assamese cultural exponent Ranjit Gogoi and his troupe, who brought alive Hazarika’s timeless compositions Mahabahu Brahmaputra, Moi Eti Zazabor, and Manuhe Manuhor Babe. Through graceful choreography, the performances depicted the grandeur of Assam’s landscapes as well as the humanist ideals central to Hazarika’s philosophy. Adding depth to the celebrations, audio-visual presentations traced the maestro’s artistic journey and his historic connection with Japan. The narrative recalled how Hazarika, invited by Columbia University, had earlier promoted cultural exchange that linked Assam with Japan, a memory that resonated deeply with the Osaka audience. The programme drew widespread global appreciation and was attended by senior officials from the Government of Assam, Government of India, and international cultural representatives. The celebration reaffirmed Bhupen Hazarika’s timeless stature as a cultural icon whose message of harmony continues to inspire across generations and borders.