Bharat Ratna Sudhakantha Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s 14th death anniversary was celebrated across the State with profound emotion, unity and overwhelming musical tribute. From riverbank towns to urban centres, thousands of voices rose together in chorus, echoing the legendary bard’s timeless call for humanity and brotherhood through his immortal composition “Manuhe Manuhor Babe.”
Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, who led the observance, paid his heartfelt tribute to the Bard of Brahmaputra at Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Samadhi Kshetra at Jalukbari.
The Chief Minister, while speaking to media, announced, “A 100-foot statue near Bhupen Hazarika Setu (Dhola-Sadiya Bridge) will be constructed and a road in the name of the legend will be named in every district. During Rongali Bihu, one evening will be exclusively dedicated to Hazarika, supported by additional grants to Bihu committees.”
The CM informed the people that Hazarika’s song ‘Swahid Pranamo Tumak’ will be played across the State during the inauguration of the Martyrs’ Memorial in Guwahati on December 10.
Showing deep reverence, the CM posted in X, “Bhupen Da sang of the Brahmaputra but became its voice. On his Punyatithi, I bow in deep reverence to Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, who gave Assam its voice and humanity its song. The Sudhakantha will live forever — in our hearts, our music and the spirit of our land.
In another social media post, he further added that Bharat is blessed to have Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. His life teaches us the power of empathy. His music celebrates our Prakriti, our Sanskriti, our Nari Shakti and our Yuva Shakti. On behalf of the people of Assam paid our tributes on Sudhakantha’s Punyatithi.
Cultural Affairs Department Minister, Bimal Bora posted on X offering shraddhanjali to legendary Sudhakantha, “Through his immortal creations, Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika championed global brotherhood, humanity & harmony. Let us pledge to build an Assam as envisaged by him.”
To mark the 100th birth anniversary of the legend, a special commemorative coin of ₹100 denomination was issued in his honour by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Assam Chief Minister ceremonially presented the coin to expert committee members and Bhupen Da’s family members in Guwahati.
The celebrations were visible across the nooks & corners of the State. In Dibrugarh, nearly 5,000 people gathered at the Chowkidingee Playground for a grand chorus tribute. Participants across age groups—children, youth, and elders—sang in unison, creating a stirring memory for the city.
Morigaon, too, witnessed a massive turnout, with over 5,000 people—teachers, students, departmental heads, ASHA and AWW workers, SAKHIs of ASRLM, and others—coming together to sing the signature song.
At Bokakhat, the Bokakhat Nirman Gut led a heartfelt tribute to the maestro near the Bokakhat Mini ITI. Amidst a gathering of students and locals, Jiten Gogoi, president of the organisation, offered floral tributes at the full-sized statue of Dr. Hazarika. Artists and youth performed several of his evergreen numbers, turning the occasion into an intimate celebration of his musical legacy.
Nazira observed the day at the Nazira College Playground, where the Co-District Administration and the Cultural Affairs Department organised the mass singing of “Manuhe Manuhor Babe.” Over 500 people—artists, students, officials, media persons, and enthusiasts—joined in harmony after a brief tribute ceremony.
In Dhubri, the Bholanath College grounds hosted floral tributes followed by a poignant 17-minute medley of Bhupendra Sangeet. Artists from across the district came together, offering a musical bouquet to the bard.
One of the most striking tributes unfolded at Nagaon’s historic Nehrubali Field, where more than 5,000 students and locals gathered. After the lighting of lamps and the Assamese anthem, Revenue Minister Keshab Mahanta emphasized Dr. Hazarika’s unparalleled contributions to the cultural landscape. Participants formed a human chain before joining the grand chorus. Two artistes, Ratimohan Nath and Ranjan Bezbaruah, were honoured during the event.
In Udalguri and Kalaigaon, over 6,000 people assembled at the Parade Ground of the DC Office campus. A synchronized chorus and a 17-minute medley carried Dr. Hazarika’s message across the field. BTC Deputy CEM Rihon Daimary termed Hazarika as a philosopher and cultural bridge-builder whose songs continue to guide society towards peace, justice, and unity.
Darrang district, too, observed the day with heartfelt devotion at the Mangaldai Govt Higher Secondary School playground. After tributes and a medley by selected artistes, legislators highlighted Bhupen Hazarika’s role in strengthening harmony. A human chain and the lighting of 100 earthen lamps at his memorial park along the River Bega brought the day to a serene close.
In the same way, police parade ground in Silchar came alive 5,000 voices blended in perfect harmony, singing “Manush Manusher Jonno” in a magnificent tribute to Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. The grand event, organised by the Cachar District Administration in association with the District Cultural Affairs Department, turned into a moving celebration of unity, compassion, and humanism, the values that Dr. Hazarika so passionately carried through his immortal songs.
The emotional chorus of “Manush Manusher Jonno, Jibon Jiboner Jonno” echoed across the grounds, reminding everyone that humanity’s true strength lies in love, compassion, and solidarity.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Kaushik Rai described the day as a “moment of pride and reflection for every Assamese.” He lauded the far-sighted vision of Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, under whose inspiration every district of Assam has been observing Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s death anniversary as a festival of cultural unity, “This initiative is not merely a tribute it is a reflection of our Chief Minister’s belief that Bhupen Hazarika’s songs are not just melodies; they are the language of Assam’s soul,” the Minister said.
Across Assam, the day became a collective reaffirmation of the values Dr. Bhupen Hazarika stood for—humanity, equality, unity, and love—resonating once again through thousands of voices singing as one.
