Govt in process for UN recognition to ‘Manuhe Manuhor Babe’

Guwahati: State govt has initiated the process of securing “global song of humanity” recognition from the United Nations (UN) for the song “Manuhe manuhor babe, jodi he okonu nabhabe” (if humans do not think about humans) by Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika, chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Wednesday.

The announcement came as the state paid tribute to the legendary artist on his 14th death anniversary.“This song is not just the property of the state, but of all humanity. We have decided to approach the UN to recognise it as a ‘global song of humanity’. Some work has already been done. Just as we secured the Unesco heritage tag for Charaideo Maidams and classical language status for Assamese, I am sure we will also be able to ensure the recognition from the UN soon,” Sarma said.The CM said Manuhe Manuhor Babe was sung by over 200,000 singers and citizens from all walks of life across 35 districts and 27 sub-divisions of the state on Wednesday, marking a historic tribute.He also announced that another timeless composition by Hazarika, “Swahid Pranmu Tumak” (Tribute to the martyrs), written during Assam’s anti-foreigner movement, will be sung across the state on Dec 10 to mark Swahid Diwas, commemorating the martyrs of the movement.

These events are part of the year-long birth centenary celebration of the music legend.The CM also announced the govt’s plan to build a 100-ft-tall statue of the music legend at the zero point of the 9.15-km-long Bhupen Hazarika Setu (formerly Dhola-Sadiya bridge), which connects Assam with Arunachal Pradesh.The CM said, “The state govt has started the process on this. One road will be dedicated to Bhupen Hazarika in each district.

On Dec 10, we will inaugurate Swahid Smark and Swahid Pronamu Tumak will be performed across the state on that day.”He added that the closing ceremony of the centenary celebrations will be held at Bharat Mandapam. The year-long tribute began on Sept 8, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Bhupen Hazarika, popularly known as the “Bard of the Brahmaputra” and “Sudhakantha” (the nightingale), was one of the doyens of the Assamese cultural space.

Born on Sept 8, 1926, in Tinsukia district, he left an indelible mark as a musician, singer, composer, and poet.In a post on his X handle on Wednesday, Union home minister Amit Shah wrote: “A music maestro and a legendary filmmaker, Hazarika Ji’s creations mirrored Assam’s culture and upheld the values of humanity and national unity. His art will continue to inspire generations of artistes.”