Like the mighty Brahmaputra that flows from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal, carrying stories of countless shores, the music of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika flows on: transcending time, borders, and hearts. India is celebrating the life and music of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, year -long centenary celebration of India’s most beloved musical son has already started in Assam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is launching Government’s celebration of Hazarika da’s music today from Guwahati.
A Centenary That Flows Like Music
On September 8, 2025, India marks the birth centenary of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, the eternal voice of the Northeast. While the Prime Minister inaugurates the yearlong celebrations in Guwahati, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has set sail on a tribute like no other. “Bistirna Parore: A Musical Voyage from Sadiya to Dhubri” begins at Guijan, Dibrugarh, carrying melodies across the Brahmaputra. Stopping at Silghat, Guwahati, and Jogighopa, the journey mirrors Hazarika’s music, bridging communities and continents. With art, dance, and competitions along the riverbanks, IWAI transforms the Brahmaputra into a living stage for India’s most melodious centenary celebration.
Beyond Borders: The Global Heartbeat of a Regional Voice
While the world knows him as the “Bard of Brahmaputra,” fewer realize that Hazarika’s influence flowed far beyond India’s northeastern boundaries. His friendship with African-American singer and activist Paul Robeson wasn’t just personal – it was prophetic. Robeson’s rendition of “Ol’ Man River” inspired Hazarika’s immortal “Bistirna Parore,” creating a musical bridge between the Mississippi and the Brahmaputra, between American civil rights and Indian humanism.
In Bangladesh, his “Manush Manusher Jonno” (Humans are for Humanity) became an anthem of unity. His compositions found their way into Soviet concert halls during the Cold War, proving that melody knows no political boundaries. Like a master diplomat, Hazarika used his seven-octave voice to build bridges where politicians constructed walls.
The Treasure Trove of a Musical Alchemist
Hazarika composed in eight languages, yet his message remained universally understood. He wasn’t merely multilingual; he was multi-cultural, weaving Bengali folk traditions with Assamese heritage, adding threads of Western harmony learned during his Columbia University days, and binding them all with his unique baritone that could make stones weep.
He was among India’s first musician-filmmakers, directing and composing for films that addressed social issues decades before ‘message cinema’ became fashionable. His 1977 film “Chameli Memsaab” dealt with women’s liberation in rural India, proving his artistic vision extended far beyond musical notes.
The maestro’s academic credentials were equally impressive, holding a PhD from Columbia University, he understood both the technical intricacies of music and the emotional mathematics of the human heart. This combination created songs that were simultaneously sophisticated and accessible, intellectual yet deeply emotional.
A Constellation of Recognition
Like stars finding their destined place in the cosmic dome, honors gravitated toward this earthbound musical angel. The Padma Shri (1977), Padma Bhushan (2001), Padma Vibhushan (2012, posthumous), culminating in the Bharat Ratna (2019, posthumous) – India’s highest civilian honor. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award (1992) recognized his cinematic contributions, while the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1987) and Fellowship (2008) celebrated his musical genius.
Yet perhaps his greatest achievement lies in the testimonials flowing in during today’s celebrations. Video tributes from violinist Sunita Bhuyan Khound, music directors Dhrubajyoti Phukan, Amrit Pritam, Lohit Gogoi, Syed Sadulla, artists Ramen Choudhury, Samar Hazarika, and devotional singer Anup Jalota prove that his influence continues to ripple through contemporary Indian music.
The River Continues Its Journey
As Prabin Bora, IWAI Director, beautifully expressed: “Much like the mighty Brahmaputra, Bhupen Da’s music flowed across borders with a universal message of peace and brotherhood.” The centenary launch isn’t just a cultural event, it’s a pilgrimage, a journey that retraces the maestro’s footsteps across the waters that inspired his greatest compositions.
Inaugural Ceremony of Year Long Celebration of Birth Anniversary of Bharat Ratna, Dr. Bhupen Hazarika will be held on 13thSeptember, 2025 at the Veterinary Science College Playground, Khanapara, Guwahati. The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest.
This year-long celebration will remind us that true art, like great rivers, never truly ends, it simply flows into larger waters, becoming part of something eternal and infinite.
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