Page 37 - NIS English 01-15 October, 2025

Bhupen Hazarika’s Birth Anniversary Special | ARTICLE

academics, thinkers and musicians of those times. He BHUPEN DA'S LIFE IS AN EMBODIMENT
met Paul Robeson, the legendary artist and civil rights OF THE SPIRIT OF 'EK BHARAT,
leader. Robeson’s song “Ol’ Man River” became the SHRESHTHA BHARAT.'
inspiration for Bhupen Da’s iconic composition ‘Bistirno On Bhupen Hazarika's birth anniversary, Prime Minister Modi
Parore.’ The much-admired former American First Lady, expressed his heartfelt feelings by penning an article, and he also
participated in the celebrations organized on his birth centenary
Eleanor Roosevelt, awarded him a Gold Medal for his in Guwahati on September 13. Recalling Bhupen Da's invaluable
performances of Indian folk music. contribution, the Prime Minister said that Bhupen Hazarika
Bhupen Da had the option of remaining in the US, but was fondly called 'Sudha Kontho'. This is the birth centenary
he returned to India and immersed himself in music. year of that 'Shudha Kontho' who gave voice to the feelings of
From radio to theatre, films to educational documenta- India. He gave voice to the emotions of India, connected music
ries, he was well-versed in each of these media. Wher- with sensitivity, preserved India’s dreams through his music, and
narrated the compassion of Mother India through Mother Ganga.
ever he went, he emphasised supporting young talent. He created immortal compositions that connected India through
Through his music, he gave voice to the aspirations of their melodies and stirred generations of Indians. Prime Minister
boatmen, tea garden workers, women, farmers, etc. Modi said that we see so much love for Mother India in his songs
In addition to being nostalgic, Bhupen Da’s works also because he lived the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. By
became a powerful lens to view modernity. A lot of giving Bharat Ratna to Bhupen Da, our government honored the
people, especially from the socially backward classes dreams and self-respect of the Northeast. Bhupen Da was a great
hero of India's unity and integrity. The birth centenary celebrations
like him, derived strength and hope from his music. held in Guwahati are inspiring, as even though Bhupen Da is
The spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ found pow- not physically present among us, his songs and his voice are still
erful expression in Bhupen Hazarika’s life journey. His witnesses to India's development journey.
works transcended linguistic and regional boundaries
to unite people across the country. He composed for Da passed away in 2011. I had seen on television how
films in Assamese, Bengali and Hindi. He made Assam lakhs of people attended his funeral. Every eye was
visible and audible to the rest of India. It is no exaggera- moist that time. Even in death, like in his illustrious life,
tion to say that he helped shape the cultural identity of he brought people together. It was thus fitting that he
modern Assam, both for those within the state and for was cremated at the Jalukbari hillock overlooking the
the Assamese diaspora across the globe. Brahmaputra, the very river that had been the lifeline
Bhupen Da, although not really a political person, did of his music, metaphors and memories. It is gladdening
remain connected to the world of public service as well. that the Assam Government has supported the work of
In 1967, he was elected as an independent MLA from the Bhupen Hazarika Cultural Trust, which is working to
Nauboicha constituency in Assam, demonstrating how popularise his life journey among youngsters. Bhupen
deeply his public persona was rooted in the people’s Da’s life teaches us the power of empathy, of listening
trust. Though he never became a career politician, his to people and of staying rooted. His music teaches us
passion for serving others was highly impactful. to be compassionate and courageous. It asks us to
The people and Government of India have rec- remember our rivers, our labourers, our tea workers,
ognised his enormous contributions over the years. our Nari Shakti and our Yuva Shakti. It encourages us
He was conferred with several awards, including the to believe in unity in diversity.Bharat is blessed to have
Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, Bhupen Hazarika. As we celebrate the beginning of
Dadasaheb Phalke Award and more. In 2019, it was an his centenary year, let us reiterate our commitment to
honour for me personally and for the NDA government spreading his message far and wide. May it also inspire
that the Bharat Ratna was conferred upon him during us to keep working to support music, art and culture,
our tenure. People from across the world, especially to encourage young talent and make India a nurturing
those from Assam and the Northeast, expressed joy ground for creativity and artistic excellence.
that this honour was conferred upon him. This honour It is only fitting that one of India’s most significant
celebrated the principles that Bhupen Da held dear infrastructure projects, Dhola-Sadiya bridge, bears the
to his heart- that music, when grounded in truth, can name of Bhupen Da. Just as his songs connected hearts
transcend all barriers. I remember the time Bhupen across regions, this bridge connects lands and people. n

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