Guwahati/Tezpur (Assam), Sep 8 (PTI) The year-long birth centenary celebrations of legendary singer Bhupen Hazarika kicked off in Assam on Monday, with Governor Laxman Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma honoring the musical icon. The inaugural ceremony took place at the Dr Bhupen Hazarika Samannay Tirtha in Guwahati, the site of his cremation in November 2011.
The governor and chief minister paid homage to Hazarika on his birth anniversary, as 100 notable figures raised a flag in his memory. The event also featured a musical program. Hazarika's only son, Tez Hazarika, along with his wife and son, have traveled from the US to participate in the centenary festivities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the celebrations on September 13, during his two-day visit to Assam.
Chief Minister Sarma, in a post on X, emphasized that Hazarika is a perennial source of inspiration. "His life and times serve as an example." "His love for Assam and Bharat is an inspiration for all," remarked Sarma. In another post, he stated, "Today, we celebrate the life of a legend who brought Assam to the world with his soulful melodies, making humanity his tune and love his anthem."
Sarma mentioned that the singer and composer is receiving unprecedented honors. The BJP-led government at the Center posthumously awarded Hazarika the Bharat Ratna, renamed Dibrugarh Airport in his honor, and issued a commemorative coin featuring his likeness.
Sarma also shared a video of Samar Hazarika, Bhupen Hazarika's younger brother, commending the state government's grand-scale celebrations. Samar expressed that an Assamese artist has never been honored on such a scale nationwide. He also expressed gratitude to various non-governmental organizations and institutions planning events for the year-long celebrations.
The Bhupen Hazarika Cultural Trust, established by the maestro himself, will host events at the Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra, which will include musical performances and the lighting of lamps in front of the museum dedicated to Hazarika.
The Nagaon district administration has planned a musical event on September 10, aiming to set a record where 15,000 students from local universities, colleges, and schools will sing Hazarika's timeless song 'Manuhe Manuher babe' at the Nurul Amin Stadium. The 'India Book of Records' officials will be present to document the achievement.
Popularly known as 'Sudhakanta,' Hazarika was born in Sadiya, Tinsukia district, on September 8, 1926.
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