Assam govt announces year-long celebration for Bhupen Hazarika's 100th birth anniversary

ANI April 12, 2025 228 views

The Assam government has announced an extensive year-long celebration to commemorate legendary singer Bhupen Hazarika's 100th birth anniversary. A 50-member committee led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will organize events across multiple cities, highlighting Hazarika's significant contributions to Indian music and culture. The celebration will commence on September 8, 2024, marking the iconic artist's birth date, with potential high-profile attendees from national leadership. Hazarika, known as Sudhakantha, was a multifaceted artist who received numerous prestigious awards, including the Bharat Ratna, and played a crucial role in introducing Northeast Indian culture to the broader national landscape.

"Sudhakantha will be remembered for bridging cultures through music" - Himanta Biswa Sarma
Guwahati, April 12: The Assam government announced on Saturday that it will hold a year-long celebration to mark the 100th birth anniversary of legendary singer and cultural icon Bhupen Hazarika.

Key Points

1

Massive 50-member committee formed to manage nationwide celebration

2

Events planned across Northeast, Kolkata, and Mumbai

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Potential presidential/prime ministerial attendance at closing ceremony

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Honoring Bharat Ratna awardee's cultural legacy

The centenary celebration will begin on September 8 of this year.

To manage the events, a 50-member committee will be formed under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. All Chief Ministers from the North Eastern states will also be invited to join as patrons of the committee. The inaugural or closing ceremony will be held in Guwahati, with one of the events also expected to be organized in New Delhi. Three separate programs will be held in Arunachal Pradesh, Kolkata, and Mumbai.

In addition, the government is planning to invite the President of India or the Prime Minister to attend the closing ceremony, which will take place on September 8, 2026.

In 2019, Bhupen Hazarika received India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, from then President Ram Nath Kovind.

The singer, also an acclaimed poet and filmmaker, was born on September 8, 1926, and passed away on November 5, 2011. Hazarika was most popular in West Bengal and Bangladesh and was responsible for introducing the culture and folk music of Assam and Northeast India to Hindi cinema.

Popularly known as Sudhakantha, meaning the nightingale, he received the National Film Award, Padma Shri, Dada Saheb Phalke Award, Padma Vibhushan, and many other prestigious honors.

He was known for his baritone voice and for creating music on themes ranging from romance to social and political commentary. Some of his renowned works in Assamese music, which audiences still enjoy, include Bistirno Parore, Moi Eti Jajabo, Ganga Mor Maa, and Bimurto Mur Nixati Jen.

Reader Comments

P
Priya M.
This is such a wonderful initiative! Bhupen Hazarika's music transcends generations. Can't wait to attend some of these events. His songs like "Ganga Mor Maa" still give me goosebumps ❤️
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Rahul K.
While I appreciate the celebration, I hope the government focuses more on preserving his actual legacy - maybe setting up music schools or digitizing his rare recordings, rather than just big ceremonies.
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Monalisa D.
My grandfather used to play his records when I was a child. So happy to see his work being honored like this! Hope they include some events where younger artists perform his songs too 🎶
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Arjun P.
Great move! But why only 3 programs outside Assam? His influence was pan-Indian. They should have at least one event in every major cultural center. Still, a step in the right direction!
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Sunita R.
The man was a legend! His songs carried such deep meaning while being so melodious. "Bistirno Parore" is my all-time favorite. Hope they release some special commemorative editions of his music.
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Deepak N.
About time! His contribution to Indian culture is immeasurable. Maybe they could also make a biopic as part of the celebrations? That would introduce him to younger audiences.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Bhupen Hazarika Assam Govt Cultural Celebration Indian Music Himanta Biswa Sarma Northeast India
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