GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has written to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari seeking his intervention to facilitate the purchase of legendary singer and Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika’s former residence in Kolkata and develop it as a heritage property.
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In a letter dated September 4, Sarma said the property at 77B, Golf Club Road, Tollygunge, where Hazarika spent a significant part of his creative years, holds immense cultural and historical significance for Assam and West Bengal.
Sarma said Hazarika created several of his “immortal, timeless classics” while based at the Kolkata residence. Given the emotional significance attached to the property among the people of Assam, he said the Assam government is keen to acquire the house and preserve and develop it as a heritage property.
The Assam Chief Minister requested Adhikari’s office to facilitate the purchase of the property, assuring that all necessary formalities would be completed by the Assam government.
“In view of the ongoing year-long birth centenary celebration” of Hazarika, Sarma also sought the West Bengal Chief Minister’s personal intervention, citing the singer’s contribution to the nation and his role in strengthening the cultural ties between Assam and West Bengal.
The letter comes as Assam marks the birth centenary of Hazarika, whose music and cultural contributions have had a lasting influence across the country.
Sarma shared the letter on social media, saying he had written to the West Bengal Chief Minister to facilitate Assam’s efforts to preserve Hazarika’s heritage.