GUWAHATI: The Census 2027 Theme Song was formally launched on Thursday, August 6, at the Directorate of Census Operations, Amingaon, as part of the public outreach campaign for the First Phase of Census 2027.
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Penned by Pankaj Chakravarty, District Commissioner of Kokrajhar, and rendered by the late Zubeen Garg, the theme song highlights the significance of the Census and encourages citizens to actively participate in the ongoing Self-Enumeration process.
Addressing the gathering, Director of Census Operations, Assam, Biswajit Pegu informed that the Self-Enumeration (SE) process commenced on August 2 and will continue till August 16, 2026. He further stated that the first phase of House Listing Operations (HOL) will be carried out from August 17 to September 15, 2026. Emphasising the importance of widespread public participation, he said that awareness about the Census must reach every household and every section of society through sustained grassroots-level outreach.
Speaking on the occasion, Pankaj Chakravarty shared the background of the theme song, stating that it was originally composed in 2013. He recalled that when preparations for Census 2027 began, he made extensive efforts to locate the original recording, which was eventually recovered after a long search. While the original vocals rendered by the late Zubeen Garg have been retained, the chorus has been suitably revised, and a fresh musical arrangement featuring renowned Santoor player Pankaj Sharma has been incorporated.
Garima Garg, speaking on the occasion, expressed happiness that Zubeen Garg's song would continue to serve a meaningful public cause. She said that if his music could contribute to creating awareness among people, he would have been proud, as he had always stood for the people. She conveyed her best wishes for the successful conduct of Census 2027 and expressed her willingness to extend support to the initiative in every possible way.
The programme was attended by Partha Pegu, Additional Secretary, GAD & Nodal Officer (Census); Dr Nijora Sharma, Joint Director of Census Operations; Bharati Chanda, Deputy Registrar General, officials of Census Operations and media fraternity.