Guwahati: The Assam government launched the year-long birth centenary celebrations of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, with Governor Laxman Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma paying floral tributes to the legendary singer, composer, and cultural icon.
The inaugural ceremony was held at the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Samannay Kshetra in Guwahati, the cremation site of the maestro in November 2011. As part of the tribute, 100 prominent personalities hoisted a flag in his honour, followed by a musical programme celebrating his timeless legacy.
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Hazarika’s son, Tez Hazarika, along with his wife and son, arrived from the United States to join the occasion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to participate in the centenary celebrations on September 13 during his two-day Assam visit, highlighting the national importance of the commemoration.
Chief Minister Sarma hailed Hazarika as a “global voice of humanity” whose life embodied love, empathy, and inspiration. He noted the honours accorded by the BJP-led Centre, including the Bharat Ratna in 2019, renaming of Dibrugarh Airport, and issuance of a commemorative coin.
Samar Hazarika, the maestro’s younger brother, praised the state government’s efforts, calling it the first time an Assamese artiste has been celebrated on such a grand national scale. The Bhupen Hazarika Cultural Trust also hosted special programmes at Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra, featuring musical tributes and lamp-lighting ceremonies.
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Across Assam, district administrations have planned parallel events. In Nagaon, on September 10, nearly 15,000 students will sing Hazarika’s immortal song “Manuhe Manuhor Babe” at Nurul Amin Stadium, with officials from the India Book of Records present to document the feat.
Born on September 8, 1926, at Sadiya in Tinsukia district, Hazarika—fondly remembered as Sudhakantha, the Bard of the Brahmaputra—remains an enduring symbol of humanity, justice, and empathy through his music.
