Bhupen Hazarika’s birth centenary celebrations begin in Assam

GUWAHATI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid rich tributes to Bhupen Hazarika as the Assam government launched an year-long celebration of the birth centenary of the legendary singer-composer on Monday (September 8, 2025).

The late Hazarika, lovingly called Sudhakantha (nectar-voiced), was born on September 8, 1926.

In an article, the Prime Minister threw light on the music maestro’s life and music, and how it inspired millions of people in Assam and beyond.

Mr. Shah took to the social media platform X. “Remembering Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Ji on his Jayanti. Known as the Bard of Brahmaputra, Hazarika Ji’s soulful voice carried the spirit of Assam to the world, and his creations spoke of love, unity and humanity. His melodies will forever echo in our hearts, reminding us of the power of music to heal and unite. By conferring upon him the Bharat Ratna, Modi Ji ensured that his legacy remains immortal,” he wrote.

In Guwahati, Governor Laxman Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma paid homage to the late Hazarika, often referred to as the Bard of Brahmaputra, during the inaugural centenary function at the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Samannay Tirtha.

The bard was cremated at this centre adjoining the Gauhati University in November 2011. He had penned and sung the theme song of the university, Jilikabo Luitore Paar (the university will illuminate the banks of Luit, an Assamese alias for the Brahmaputra) after it was established in 1948.

The Chief Minister also posted on on X. “Today, we celebrate the life of a legend, who carried Assam to the world through his soulful melodies and made humanity his tune & love his anthem. We celebrate the Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika, on his jayanti, remembering his life, which was a poetry in itself,” Mr. Sarma said.

“Bhupen Hazarika’s life teaches us the power of empathy, of listening to people, and of staying rooted. His songs continue to be sung by the young and old alike,” Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said.

Arunachal Pradesh, where the late Hazarika spent a significant part of his infancy, also paid tributes to the music maestro.

“Remembering the Legendary Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika Ji on his birth anniversary. Your songs beautifully bridged the hearts of Northeast India and the rest of the world. In Arunachal, your melodies continue to resonate, inspiring peace, unity, and cultural pride. May your timeless legacy keep connecting generations,” Chief Minister Pema Khandu posted on X.

The maestro shared a deep association with Bolung village in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Dibang Valley.

The late Hazarika’s only son, Tez Hazarika, was present along with his wife and their son. The family is based in the United States.