Assam Commemorates Dr. Bhupen Hazarika's 100th Birth Anniversary with Special Events

Celebrating a Cultural Icon

Guwahati, Sept 8: On Tuesday, Assam celebrated the centenary of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika with various events throughout the state, centering around his memorial site in Jalukbari.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, along with his Cabinet members, prominent journalist Anuradha Sharma Pujari, and other notable figures, participated in a tribute organized by the Directorate of Cultural Affairs at Samannay Tirtha.

During the tribute, Sarma remarked that some individuals achieve immortality not just through their accomplishments but through the lasting impact of their work on future generations.

“History often witnesses the emergence of individuals who not only set benchmarks for society but also achieve immortality through their contributions and legacy. Bhupen Hazarika was one such luminary,” he stated.

Among the announcements made was the establishment of a museum dedicated to Hazarika at Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra, with a budget of Rs 35.77 crore.

This project, spanning 3.24 bighas, will receive Rs 14 crore from the North Eastern Council, while the Assam government will contribute Rs 20 crore.

Sarma encouraged those who possess Hazarika’s artifacts and creations to donate them to the government for preservation in the upcoming museum.

Additionally, discussions are underway with West Bengal to acquire Hazarika’s former home in Tollygunge, Kolkata. “I have reached out to the Chief Minister of West Bengal, and the Cultural Affairs department is actively pursuing this,” Sarma noted.

The Chief Minister also mentioned that Gauhati University has been approached to allocate one to two bighas of land for the development of the Samadhi Khetra.

Furthermore, the university has been asked to establish a Performing Arts Department inspired by Hazarika’s vision, along with the consideration of a small auditorium.

In a press interaction, Sarma revealed plans for several long-term projects, including augmented and virtual reality experiences at Samannay Tirtha to enhance visitor engagement, as well as a regional theatre workshop.

To connect younger audiences with Hazarika’s legacy, the Cultural Affairs Department will host an Instagram reel competition. Participants aged 16 to 45 can create a 30-second original video about Hazarika and upload it on Instagram, submitting a Google Drive link for registration.

The intellectual property rights for the reels will remain with the creators, and winners will receive cash prizes. “This competition will provide the younger generation with a chance to learn about and promote Bhupen Hazarika’s legacy,” Sarma added.

Author and journalist Anuradha Sharma Pujari emphasized that the centenary is not just a remembrance of Hazarika’s life but the dawn of a new century influenced by his work.

She highlighted how Hazarika shaped Assam’s cultural identity through his music, envisioning a state that transcends geographical boundaries.

Pujari reflected on Hazarika’s artistic beginnings, recalling the folk songs and tales shared by his grandmother and the musical traditions introduced by his mother. She also acknowledged the impact of Jyotiprasad Agarwala and Bishnu Prasad Rabha on Hazarika’s development.

While Agarwala taught him about artistic independence, Rabha instilled a sense of social responsibility, she noted.

Pujari urged younger generations to engage deeply with Hazarika’s work, emphasizing that his songs should be understood in terms of their lyrics, structure, melody, and pronunciation.

The centenary celebrations began last September and will culminate with a national event at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on November 29, featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi.