Bhupen Hazarika’s songs unite India: PM Modi in Guwahati

GUWAHATI — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday asserted that Bharat Ratna awardee Bhupen Hazarika’s songs continue to unite India and give energy to its people.

Addressing the musical doyen's birth centenary celebrations in Guwahati, Modi said his creations encompass the concept of ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat’.

“Bhupen da may not be present physically, but his voice gives energy to people. His songs unite India. His music encompasses the concept of ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat’. He was rooted in the cultural traditions of India,” the PM said.

Modi asserted that Hazarika gave voice to “a united Northeast during the height of violence in the region”.

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The prime minister said the Bharat Ratna award to Bhupen Hazarika was an honour for the entire Northeast.

“The Bharat Ratna bestowed on Hazarika is not an honour for him but for the entire nation, particularly the Northeast,” he said.

Modi also stressed the importance of cultural connectivity in the development of the country.

“We cannot imagine the country’s development without the progress of the Northeast. The entire country is getting acquainted with the history and heritage of the Northeast as the Centre is emphasising cultural connectivity,” the PM said.

On the occasion, Modi released a biography of the music maestro - Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika - written by Sahitya Akademi awardee Anuradha Sarma Pujari, and a Rs 100 commemorative coin brought out by the Reserve Bank of India.

He also released the book, translated into 21 languages.

Modi began his two-day visit to Assam by paying tributes to the music maestro.

“I am honoured to be part of Bhupen Hazarika’s birth centenary celebrations,” the prime minister said.

The celebrations began with an 18-minute musical tribute by 1,200 artistes, who rendered 14 evergreen songs of Hazarika in a medley in Assamese, Bengali, Hindi, and English.

A short film on Hazarika’s life was also screened on the occasion.

During the programme, Modi was welcomed by Governor Laxman Prasad Acharya with a ‘muga’ Gamosa, a traditional ‘Horai’, and a portrait of Hazarika.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Arunachal Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Assam ministers, BJP MPs, MLAs and government officials were present at the function.

People who were associated with Hazarika during his lifetime were also present on the occasion.

Hazarika’s family members and his only son Tez Hazarika were also present at the event.

Modi said he promotes Assamese 'gamosa' on every occasion, and urged the people of Assam to be “vocal for local”.