GUWAHATI: Guwahati is gearing up to commemorate the birth centenary of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika, with nearly 30 cultural organisations coming together to organise a day-long programme at the Damodardev Auditorium of Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra on September 7, a day ahead of his birth anniversary.
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The programme is being jointly organised by a united platform of cultural organisations from Greater Guwahati and the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Government of Assam.
The celebration will bring together artistes, academics and members of Assam’s cultural fraternity, including several veteran and emerging artistes, to remember the life and contributions of the legendary singer, composer, filmmaker and writer fondly known as Sudhakantha.
Speaking to the media at the auditorium of the Pub Guwahati Bihu Sanmilan, the organisers said Bhupen Hazarika’s centenary should be observed on a grand scale in recognition of his immense contribution to Assamese music, literature, cinema and the cultural identity of Assam.
The organisers acknowledged the challenges in holding a large-scale event under the prevailing circumstances but said commemorating the milestone was a collective responsibility, considering Hazarika’s legacy continues to inspire generations.
The programme will begin with flag hoisting at 9:30 AM on September 7, followed by a tribute programme at 3 PM. A seminar will then be held at 3:15 PM, focusing on different aspects of Hazarika’s life and work.
Academician and cultural personality Amarjyoti Choudhury will speak on ‘Bhupen Hazarika: The Musician and Director’, while Dayananda Pathak will discuss ‘Bhupen Hazarika: The Writer and Journalist’. Nanda Singh Borkala will speak on ‘Humanism in the Songs of Bhupen Hazarika’.
The organisers said the centenary celebration is aimed at going beyond a tribute and providing an opportunity to revisit the ideas, values and cultural legacy that Bhupen Hazarika left behind.