Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Assam on September 8, 2025, to inaugurate the year-long celebrations marking the birth centenary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. The legendary composer, poet, and filmmaker from Assam remains an enduring symbol of unity, humanism, and cultural richness across India and beyond.
The Prime Minister’s visit comes as part of a comprehensive initiative by the Assam government to honor Hazarika’s life and legacy. Born on September 8, 1926, in Sadiya, Assam, Dr. Hazarika’s influence went far beyond music — his art captured the soul of the Northeast while promoting peace, inclusivity, and social justice. As the nation celebrates his centenary, the government of Assam has planned a series of cultural events and commemorations that will span the entire year.
PM Modi is expected to kickstart these celebrations with a grand event in Guwahati. A commemorative coin will be released in Dr. Hazarika’s honor, along with the unveiling of a detailed biography chronicling his artistic journey, social contributions, and personal life. Additionally, cultural performances inspired by his music and philosophy will be presented by leading artists from across the Northeast.
The celebrations are not limited to Assam. Events are being planned in several cities across India, including Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, and Arunachal Pradesh — regions that were significant in Hazarika’s life and career. A special committee led by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has been constituted to oversee the planning and execution of these centenary events, with a focus on promoting the values that Hazarika stood for: unity, peace, and cultural pride.
Alongside the cultural festivities, PM Modi’s visit will also highlight Assam’s ongoing developmental progress. He is expected to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for several key infrastructure projects across the state. These include road and transport upgrades, healthcare infrastructure expansion, and educational institutions aimed at strengthening the state’s social and economic foundation.
In particular, projects under the Act East Policy and regional connectivity plans will be emphasized, aiming to link remote areas of Assam with larger markets and administrative centers. The central government’s commitment to accelerating development in the Northeast continues to be a critical part of its national agenda, and Assam remains a focal point of these efforts.
The dual nature of the visit — blending cultural reverence with forward-looking development — reflects a vision of inclusive growth that respects the past while building for the future. Dr. Bhupen Hazarika himself championed this idea in his works, often fusing folklore with modern thought, and advocating for progress without losing cultural identity.
For the people of Assam, the Prime Minister’s presence at this historic moment is not only a gesture of respect for Dr. Hazarika but also an acknowledgment of the region’s contribution to India’s cultural and political landscape. Schools, colleges, and community organizations across the state are gearing up to participate in the centenary events with music performances, exhibitions, and essay competitions.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for accepting the invitation and taking personal interest in the celebration. He emphasized that the centenary is not merely a cultural event but a “movement to revive and reintroduce Bhupenda’s timeless legacy to the younger generation.”
Dr. Hazarika’s music still resonates today — in classrooms, tea gardens, political rallies, and quiet riverbanks — reminding listeners of compassion, courage, and unity. As Assam prepares to welcome the Prime Minister, the stage is set for a powerful confluence of memory and momentum.
The centenary celebration of Bhupen Hazarika is not just a tribute to an artist, but a celebration of the ideals he championed — equality, harmony, and the indomitable spirit of the people of the Northeast. With Prime Minister Modi’s visit, that celebration begins on a national scale.