Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Bhupen Hazarika on what would have been his 99th birthday, marking the commencement of the maestro’s centenary celebrations. In a post shared on his social media, the Prime Minister described the Bharat Ratna awardee as one of India’s most exceptional voices, one whose contributions went far beyond music to shape the nation’s cultural identity. Modi underscored how Hazarika’s melodies resonated with themes of social justice, kindness, and a deep sense of belonging, making him the “heartbeat of the people” rather than just a voice. He noted that generations have grown up with his music, which he said flowed like a timeless river, uniting people across borders and cultures.
The Prime Minister recalled Hazarika’s fascinating life journey, highlighting his intellectual prowess despite his global travels and interactions with influential figures. Hazarika’s academic pursuits at Banaras Hindu University and Columbia University exposed him to leading thinkers and artists. It was in the US that he met Paul Robeson, a legendary singer whose iconic song “Ol’ Man River” inspired Hazarika’s timeless composition, ‘Bistirna Parore’. Modi also mentioned that the late US First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt once honoured Hazarika with a Gold Medal for his captivating performances of Indian folk music. Despite these international opportunities, Hazarika chose to return to India, dedicating himself to radio, theatre, and film, and mentoring young talent.
Modi further emphasised that Hazarika’s life was a testament to the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. His works transcended linguistic and regional barriers, composing for films in Assamese, Bengali, and Hindi, and effectively introducing Assam’s rich culture to a wider audience. The Prime Minister noted that while Hazarika did serve as an independent MLA in 1967, his true calling lay in serving society through his art, not politics. Over his distinguished career, he was honoured with the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, and posthumously, the Bharat Ratna. Modi concluded by reflecting on the immense public grief at Hazarika’s passing in 2011, noting that lakhs attended his funeral, showing how he united people even in death. His cremation at Jalukbari, overlooking the Brahmaputra, the river that was the lifeline of his music and metaphors, was a fitting final tribute to the bard of Assam. The Prime Minister welcomed initiatives by the Assam government and the Bhupen Hazarika Cultural Trust to preserve his legacy, adding that Hazarika’s life teaches us the power of empathy and staying rooted.