India Mark the Start of 100th Birth Anniversary Festivities of Bharat Ratna Awardee, Bhupen Hazarika

India has begun celebrating the 100th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna awardee Bhupen Hazarika, the legendary singer, poet, and composer from Assam. Known for his powerful voice and timeless songs on humanity, equality, and cultural unity, Hazarika’s work continues to inspire generations. The centenary celebrations aim to honor his immense contributions to music, cinema, and social change, while keeping his legacy alive for future generations.

Who was Bhupen Hazarika?

Bhupen Hazarika was born on September 8, 1926, in Assam. He became one of India’s most iconic cultural figures through his soulful songs, powerful lyrics, and socially relevant compositions. He sang about the lives of the common people, the struggles of the oppressed, and the beauty of Assam and the Northeast.

Hazarika was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to music and culture. He passed away on November 5, 2011, at the age of 85.

Early Life of Bhupen Hazarike

Bhupen Hazarika was born on 8 September 1926 in Sadiya, Assam. He grew up listening to traditional Assamese music from his mother. By the age of 10, he was already discovered by cultural icons Jyotiprasad Agarwala and Bishnu Prasad Rabha. At just 12, he recorded his first song and soon became known for his powerful voice and poetic talent.

Education and Inspiration

He studied at Banaras Hindu University and later earned a PhD from Columbia University, New York. There he met Paul Robeson, the famous civil rights activist and singer, who deeply influenced him. Inspired by Robeson, Hazarika used music as a tool for social change, writing songs about humanity, justice, and equality.

Musical Legacy of Bhupen Hazarike

Hazarika wrote and sang mostly in Assamese, but his songs were translated into Bengali, Hindi, and other languages. Some of his most loved songs include:

• Bistirno Parore
• Moi Eti Jajabor
• Manuhe Manuhor Babe

He introduced the folk traditions of Assam and Northeast India into Indian cinema, making them popular nationwide. His music also carried messages of communal harmony and universal brotherhood.

Contributions to Cinema and Politics

Apart from being a singer, Hazarika was a film director and lyricist. He made award-winning Assamese films and composed music for movies in Hindi and Bengali, such as Rudaali and Daman. He also served as a Member of the Assam Legislative Assembly and chaired the Sangeet Natak Akademi between 1998 and 2003.

Awards and Honors to Bhupen Hazarike

Bhupen Hazarika received numerous honors during his lifetime and after:

• National Film Award for Best Music Direction (1975)
• Padma Shri (1977) and Padma Bhushan (2001)
• Dadasaheb Phalke Award (1992)
• Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (2008)
• Padma Vibhushan (2012, posthumous)
• Bharat Ratna (2019, posthumous)

His legacy is honored with statues, stamps, and even the Dhola-Sadiya Bridge in Assam, named after him.

Later Life and Passing

In his later years, Bhupen Hazarika worked closely with filmmaker Kalpana Lajmi on several Hindi films. He passed away on 5 November 2011 in Mumbai. His funeral in Assam was attended by lakhs of people, a true reflection of the love and respect he earned.