Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, on his two day tour to Assam, took part in the birth centenary celebrations of Bard of Brahmaputra Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika in Guwahati. The celebrations commenced with a grand cultural tribute where over 1,000 artistes from across Assam performed timeless compositions of the musician in a fitting tribute to the enduring legacy of the Sudhakantha.
The Prime Minister, in his speech, extended heartfelt appreciation to all the artistes and remarked that every event here sets a new record, “It is my privilege to be part of the centenary birth anniversary celebrations of Bhupen Da, lovingly referred to by all as Shudhakantha, who gave voice to the emotions of India, connected music with sensitivity, preserved India’s dreams through his music and narrated the compassion of Mother India through Mother Ganga.”
“Bhupen Da created immortal compositions that connected India through their melodies and stirred generations of Indians, although he is no longer physically among us, his songs and voice continue to bear witness to India’s development journey and energize it,” the Prime Minister stated, adding, “His songs, messages, and life journey are being taken to every household.”
On the occasion, Dr Bhupen Hazarika’s biography written by eminent author Anuradha Sarma Puzari was released. The biography has been translated into 22 languages. Besides, a commemorative coin of ₹100 was also released.
“Bhupen Hazarika ji dedicated his entire life to the service of music. The ideals Bhupen Da lived by and the experiences he went through were reflected in his songs. Deep love for Mother India in Bhupen Da’s music stemmed from his lived commitment to the idea of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” Modi said, adding, “Bhupen Da was born in the North East, and the sacred waves of the Brahmaputra taught him music. The musical journey, which began with the Brahmaputra, transformed into mastery through the flowing rhythm of the Ganga.”
Describing Bhupen Da as a wandering traveler who journeyed across India and even went to the United States for his PhD, the Prime Minister emphasized that at every stage of life, Bhupen Da remained deeply connected to the soil of Assam as a true son.
“Bhupen Da was a great champion of the nation’s unity and integrity, when decades ago, the North East faced neglect and was engulfed in violence and separatism, He continued to give voice to India’s unity. Bhupen Da dreamed of a prosperous North East and sang of the region’s natural beauty,” the Prime Minister mentioned.
“Our Government is working day and night to realise Bhupen Da’s dreams for the North East. By conferring the Bharat Ratna on Bhupen Da, the Government honoured the aspirations and pride of the region and made it a national priority. Further, one of the longest bridges in the country, connecting Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, has been named the Bhupen Hazarika Bridge,” Modi informed the audience, adding, “Assam and the entire North East are progressing rapidly, new records are being set across every dimension of development. These achievements are a true tribute from the nation to Bhupen Da.”
Underlining that regardless of circumstances, Assam has always given voice to the pride of the nation, the Prime Minister remarked that this very spirit is reflected in the songs of Bhupen Da, “During the 1962 war, Assam witnessed the conflict directly and at that time, Bhupen Da elevated the nation’s resolve through his music.”
On the occasion of Bhupen Da’s centenary birth anniversary year, the Prime Minister urged people to become brand ambassadors of the Vocal for Local movement and buy and sell only local goods.
The Prime Minister, while winding up his speech, said “What Bhupen Da saw then has now become the nation’s collective resolve, now is the time to place the goal of a developed India by 2047 at the centre of every effort and every resolution.”
