As the centenary of music maestro Bhupen Hazarika approaches, Assam is preparing to honour the legacy of its cultural icon with year-long celebrations that promise to echo his enduring influence on Indian music, literature, and socio-political thought. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced a grand centenary commemoration beginning in September 2025, marking the 100th birth anniversary of the ‘Bard of Brahmaputra.’
At the heart of the state’s tribute is an official invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the inaugural event as the chief guest. CM Sarma made the announcement during a press briefing in Guwahati, emphasizing the national significance of Hazarika’s contributions and expressing confidence that the Prime Minister would accept the invitation.
Honouring a Voice That United India
Born on September 8, 1926, Bhupen Hazarika was more than just a singer and composer — he was a poet, a filmmaker, a humanist, and a cultural bridge-builder. His music, steeped in themes of love, social justice, and unity, transcended linguistic and regional boundaries, earning him admiration across India and abroad.
“Dr. Hazarika’s voice still resonates in every Assamese home, and his ideals continue to inspire generations. This centenary will be a celebration not just of his life, but of the values he stood for,” said CM Sarma.
The celebrations will not be confined to Assam alone. The state government plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Culture to hold events in major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and even abroad in places with large Assamese or Indian diaspora communities such as New York and London.
Cultural Calendar Unveiled
A detailed calendar of events is set to be released soon, but officials have already hinted at some major highlights:
- Centenary Concert Series featuring reinterpretations of Hazarika’s songs by leading Indian and international artists.
- Documentary screenings and film retrospectives, showcasing his work as a filmmaker and his contributions to Assamese and Bengali cinema.
- Bhupen Hazarika International Symposium, to be hosted in Guwahati, where scholars and artists will discuss his legacy in music, literature, and social activism.
- Publication of rare writings and letters, along with a new biography penned by eminent authors and researchers.
- Digital museum and archive, providing global access to his music, photographs, and memorabilia through a government-supported portal.
The government also plans to introduce scholarships and cultural fellowships in Hazarika’s name to nurture young talents in the Northeast, especially in fields like folk music, poetry, and filmmaking.
PM Modi’s Special Bond with Hazarika’s Legacy
Inviting Prime Minister Modi as the chief guest is being seen as a symbolic gesture, given the central government’s previous recognition of Hazarika’s legacy. In 2019, the Modi-led government posthumously conferred the Bharat Ratna — India’s highest civilian honour — on Hazarika. During the award ceremony, Modi described him as “a musical genius whose melodies, deeply rooted in the ethos of Assam and India, continue to inspire us all.”
Speaking about the invitation, CM Sarma remarked, “The Prime Minister has always had deep respect for Bhupen da. His presence at the centenary launch will elevate the event and reaffirm the national stature of our beloved son of the soil.”
A People’s Celebration
The centenary festivities are not meant to be elite or exclusive. The Assam government is encouraging community participation through school and college cultural programmes, district-level exhibitions, and public singing contests of Hazarika’s classics like “Manuhe Manuhor Babe” and “Bistirno Parore.”
Local artisans, folk performers, and student volunteers will be central to the execution of these events, with a special emphasis on rural outreach. The objective is to create a cultural wave that involves every corner of Assam and reintroduces Bhupen Hazarika’s artistry to younger generations.
Conclusion: Keeping the River Song Alive
As Assam prepares to celebrate the life of a man who gave voice to the voiceless and music to the margins, the centenary of Bhupen Hazarika promises to be more than a tribute — it will be a revival. A moment to reflect, rejoice, and rekindle the flame of a legacy that continues to light the path for India’s cultural conscience.
As the state and the nation get ready to sing in unison, the river of Hazarika’s melodies flows on — wide, deep, and eternal.