The nation paid homage to Assam’s cultural luminary Bhupen Hazarika on Monday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi led tributes on the singer-composer’s 100th birth anniversary, marking the start of year-long celebrations to honour his enduring legacy.
Governor Laxman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and state Congress president Gourav Gogoi joined citizens at Bhupen Hazarika Samannay Tirtha in Guwahati, the memorial site where the legendary musician was cremated in November 2011.
In an article published in leading newspapers, PM Modi described Hazarika’s contributions as transcending music. “More than just a voice, he was the heartbeat of the people. Generations have grown up listening to his songs, each word resonating with themes of kindness, social justice, unity and deep-rooted belonging,” Modi wrote.
The Prime Minister added that Hazarika’s music “flowed like a timeless river, crossing borders and cultures, carrying with it the spirit of humanity.” He noted that the maestro remained deeply connected to his roots in Assam, despite his global interactions.
A commemorative Rs 100 coin will be unveiled, and Modi is scheduled to participate in a special tribute meeting in the state on September 13.
Hazarika, often called the ‘Bard of Brahmaputra’, created compositions that continue to resonate across India. Songs such as Bistirno Parore reflected the struggles of the common people, while Dil Hoom Hoom Kare and Ganga Behti Ho Kyun brought his evocative music to national audiences. Assamese classics like Manuhe Manuhor Babe and Moi Eti Jajabor embodied his cultural pride and love for the land.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Hazarika’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.”
Also read: PM Modi to honour Bhupen Hazarika with centenary coin
BJP president JP Nadda praised Hazarika as “not only a gifted musician but also a voice of culture, peace and unity. Through his songs and compositions, Dr. Hazarika ji brought Assamese culture into every Indian heart. His contribution to art and music will always be cherished.”
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called him “a visionary musician, poet, lyricist, and filmmaker, deeply rooted in the culture of Assam. His creations went beyond regional boundaries, carrying with them the timeless message of humanity, harmony, and universal brotherhood.”
Governor Acharya described Hazarika as “the soul of Assam and a symbol of India’s cultural consciousness. The centenary celebration is not merely an event of remembrance, but a festival of inspiration, aimed at igniting the imagination of generations to come. This is a tribute to a man whose voice echoed not only across our state but throughout the nation and the world.”
The Chief Minister said the state government would hold tribute programmes in Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Delhi. The biography of Hazarika by Anuradha Sarma Pujari will be translated into all major Indian languages and distributed across libraries nationwide. President Droupadi Murmu attended the closing ceremony in New Delhi on September 8, 2026.
Various cultural programmes marked the centenary in Assam. The Bhupen Hazarika Cultural Trust, in association with Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra Society, hosted performances, while the trust’s flag was carried by 100 prominent personalities led by nonagenarian Sattriya dancer Jatin Goswami. The All Assam Students’ Union also held tributes at district headquarters across the state.
Cultural Affairs Minister Bimal Bora launched two initiatives: music classes in Adarsha Vidyalayas and subsidies for 19 Assamese films.
Hazarika, affectionately known as Sudhakanta, was born in Sadiya, Tinsukia district, on September 8, 1926, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
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