PM Modi (L) and Bhupen Hazarika (R).
Credit: PTI photos.
Imphal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday stated that music and songs of music maestro from Assam, Bhupen Hazarika, united India and those continued to give voice to the country's unity.
"Bhupen Da created immortal compositions that connected India through their melodies and stirred generations of Indians. Although Bhupen Da is no longer physically among us, his songs and voice continue to bear witness to India’s development journey and energize it," Modi said speaking at Hazarika's birth centenary celebrations, at the College of Veterinary Science playground in Guwahati.
PM Modi unveiled a special Rs. 100 coin and a special book, commemorating Hazarika's birth centenary.
The year-long celebrations began on September 8 across Assam. The legendary singer, composer, and filmmaker Hazarika, who was lovingly called Sudhakantha (nectar voiced), was born on September 8, 1926.
Stating that Hazarika dedicated his entire life to the service of music,” the PM remarked, "When music becomes a form of spiritual practice, it touches the soul, and when music becomes a resolve, it becomes a medium to guide society. This is what made Bhupen Da’s music so special."
Modi said decades ago, when the Northeast faced neglect and was engulfed in violence and separatism, Hazarika's songs and music continued to give voice to India’s unity. "Bhupen Da dreamed of a prosperous Northeast and sang of the region’s natural beauty."
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Hazarika's brother Samar Hazarika, son Tej Hazarika, besides many others attended the celebrations.