Guwahati/New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid rich tribute to music legend Dr. Bhupen Hazarika on his 99th birth anniversary, describing him as one of India’s most remarkable voices and a true symbol of unity through art. The Prime Minister’s tribute also marked the beginning of Hazarika’s birth centenary year.
In a heartfelt message, Modi recalled the Bharat Ratna awardee as “the heartbeat of the people,” whose works went beyond melody to embody justice, empathy, and cultural pride. “What Bhupen Da gave us extends far beyond music. His creations carried emotions that transcended melody,” the Prime Minister wrote.
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Modi reflected on Hazarika’s illustrious academic journey from Cotton College and Banaras Hindu University to Columbia University, where he was influenced by global thinkers and artists, including Paul Robeson. Robeson’s song Ol’ Man River inspired Hazarika’s celebrated Assamese number Bistirna Parore. Hazarika also received a gold medal from former U.S. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt for his promotion of Indian folk traditions.
Despite international recognition, Hazarika returned to Assam and dedicated his life to art, radio, theatre, films, and social causes. Modi praised his commitment to mentoring young talent and using music as a tool for social justice and rural development.
The Prime Minister underscored Hazarika’s role in uniting India’s cultural landscape, composing in Assamese, Bengali, and Hindi, and bringing Assam’s ethos to a global stage. Though briefly elected as an MLA in 1967, Hazarika chose creativity over politics.
Remembering the massive outpouring of grief at Hazarika’s funeral in 2011, Modi said, “Even in death, as in life, he brought people together.” He urged the youth to draw inspiration from the maestro’s life of empathy and rootedness.
