Assam government acquires Bhupen Hazarika's Kuthori house for museum preservation

Guwahati: The immortal song — “Kaziranga, Kaziranga... Kaziranga Bhoyabaha Nahoi, Nohoi E Abhayaranya, Eyatkoio Bhayabaha Jana Prithibir Jana Aranya” (Kaziranga, Kaziranga... Kaziranga is not terrifying, it’s not a sanctuary, more terrifying is the world’s multitude) — penned by Bhupen Hazarika at his house in Kuthori in Nagaon district, narrates his compassion towards nature and wildlife.This song and some of his creative works were penned in the Assam-type house in Kuthori, surrounded by a sprawling campus. However, legal hurdles over the plot of land where the house is located, after the house was sold to a wealthy family, continued to be the biggest hurdle in preserving the memories of the balladeer’s life and memories in Kuthori.As the state celebrated the 100th birth anniversary of Hazarika, the Kuthori house has finally been acquired by the govt for transforming it into a museum.

Kuthori was abuzz with cultural performances focused on Bhupen Da’s songs throughout Sunday night. Taking the lead in the event was Nagaon DC Devashish Sharma, a cultural enthusiast.Now, the Assam govt will preserve the legendary icon Bhupen Hazarika’s often-used house during his numerous journeys across the state as a cultural project. Sharma said the govt has now acquired seven bighas of land where the house is located.

The govt has already paid Rs 2.51 crore to the family who had bought the plot of land, officials said.The caretaker of the house since 1974, Suren Neog, has been living there with his family. Suren’s son, Ashim, said, “People of Kaliabor and Kuthori wanted to see the preservation of Bhupen Da’s Kuthori house, and we are ready to shift,” said Ashim.