Assam CM Says PM to Honour Bhupen Hazarika in Delhi

Guwahati, October 23: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed on Friday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take part in the grand closing ceremony marking the 100th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. The programme is scheduled for November 29 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

The Chief Minister said the Prime Minister would pay homage to the great Assamese singer and cultural personality. The Prime Minister will also present the 'Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Award', newly introduced to honour his legacy.

The preparations were reviewed at a meeting of the Centenary Celebration Committee held at Lok Seva Bhawan, Dispur.

The event is expected to draw about 5,000 participants, including admirers, distinguished guests and culture lovers from different parts of the country.

Singer Kavita Krishnamurthy, Shankar Mahadevan and Shreya Ghoshal are among the well-known artistes who will offer musical tribute to Bhupen Hazarika. Their performances will reflect on his contribution to Indian music and culture.

Sarma sought suggestions from committee members during the meeting so that the ceremony could become a sincere tribute to the revered artiste.

He noted that the artistic legacy, songs and universal message of Bhupen Hazarika should be taken to a larger global audience. According to him, the conclusion of the one-year centenary celebrations must reflect the dignity of an artiste whose music, poetry and humanitarian vision have enriched Assam and the entire nation.

The Chief Minister also stressed that Hazarika's message of humanity, harmony and universal brotherhood is vital to pass on to future generations.

Bhupen Hazarika was popularly called the 'Bard of the Brahmaputra' and is counted among India's most prestigious cultural figures. Although his creations were rooted in Assam's social and cultural heritage, he gained recognition across the country by moving beyond language and geographical boundaries.

Organisers state that the grand closing ceremony will celebrate the lasting influence of Bhupen Hazarika on music, literature and culture, and will seek to give his contribution a new identity internationally.

Attending the meeting were Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, Revenue Minister Keshab Mahanta, Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Fisheries Minister Nilima Devi, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Ashwini Rai Sarkar, in-charge Chief Secretary Ajay Tiwari, senior officials and members of the Centenary Celebration Committee.