Assam Commemorates Dr. Bhupen Hazarika's 14th Death Anniversary with Grand Tributes

A Musical Tribute Across Assam

Guwahati, Nov 5: On Wednesday, Assam marked the 14th death anniversary of the legendary Sudhakantha Dr. Bhupen Hazarika with various commemorative events held in 35 districts and 27 sub-divisions, drawing large crowds who came to pay musical homage to the Bharat Ratna.

During a state-level gathering at the Samadhi Khetra in Jalukbari, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma noted that over 200,000 artists and citizens from regions including Barak, Brahmaputra, and the hilly areas united to perform Hazarika’s iconic song Manuhe Manuhor Babe.

He emphasized that this song is a treasure not just for Assam but for all of humanity, revealing that the government has approached the United Nations to have it recognized as a 'song for humanity.'

Sarma also declared that one night of the upcoming annual Bohag Bihu festival will be dedicated to Dr. Hazarika, along with increased financial support for Bihu committees.

Additionally, plans are in place to erect a 100-foot statue of the music icon at the zero point of the Bhupen Hazarika Setu in Dhola-Sadiya, symbolizing the cultural connection between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

Moreover, the government intends to name one road in each city of Assam after Bhupen Hazarika and enhance their aesthetics in his honor.

On December 10, the inauguration of the Sahid Smarak in Guwahati will take place to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Assam Movement, featuring a collective performance of Hazarika’s song “Shahid Pranamu Tumak”.

“The final celebration of Hazarika’s birth centenary will occur at Assam Bhawan in Delhi, with simultaneous events scheduled in Kolkata, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad,” Sarma added.

In Guwahati, the main commemorative activities took place at Latashil Playground and Dighalipukhuri.

The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) paid their respects at Hazarika’s statue in Dighalipukhuri, while over 5,000 artists performed “Manuhe Manuhor Babe” at Latashil, organized by the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Kamrup (Metro) District Administration.

AASU Chief Advisor Dr. Sammujjal Bhattacharjya reiterated longstanding requests to preserve Hazarika’s legacy, including establishing university chairs in his name at Gauhati, Dibrugarh, and Tezpur universities, creating a research institute dedicated to his works, and renaming Guwahati Railway Station in his honor.

He also advocated for the reconstruction of Hazarika’s samadhi khetra to accommodate larger crowds. “Every year we pay tribute and reiterate these demands. We will not remain silent until they are addressed,” Bhattacharjya asserted.

AASU President Utpal Sarma, while paying tribute, urged the government to expand the samadhi site and establish a railway link to facilitate public access.

“If the Chief Minister can announce that Zubeen Garg’s samadhi will reflect Bhupen Da’s, the government must ensure that Bhupen Da’s memorial receives the respect it deserves,” he stated.

In Dibrugarh, a significant tribute titled “Manuhe Manuhor Babe” took place at the Choukidinghi playground, organized by the Department of Cultural Affairs.

Approximately 8,000 individuals, including students and cultural groups, participated in a 17-minute medley of 14 of Hazarika’s classic songs. The event also featured the distribution of a commemorative Rs 100 coin issued in his honor.

MLA Prashanta Phukan remarked, “This celebration links his 14th death anniversary with his 100th birth centenary. The people of Dibrugarh have united to keep his memory alive.”

In Bijni, the Bhupen Hazarika Memorial Committee organized a day-long event at the statue square, where local artists performed his songs.

MLA Ajay Kumar Roy paid floral tributes, stating, “The values and lessons he imparted will continue to inspire future generations. The void left by him and Zubeen Garg can never be filled,” Roy expressed.

In Chirang, a commemoration at Bongaigaon Refinery’s sports ground in Dhali Gaon attracted nearly 5,000 attendees, including Minister Urkhao Gwra Brahma, MPs, MLAs, and students.

Brahma remarked, “Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s songs are universal. They impart lessons of morality, unity, and humanity, transcending state and national boundaries.”

From the Brahmaputra plains to the Barak Valley, Assam resonated with the melodies of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, reaffirming the enduring message of unity, humanity, and hope that characterized his life and legacy.