India Celebrates Bhupen Hazarika’s Birth Centenary: A Tribute to the Cultural Icon

India marked the birth centenary of Dr Bhupen Hazarika, a legendary figure whose music and legacy continue to resonate deeply, especially in Assam, on September 8, 2025.

Born in 1925, Hazarika’s extraordinary contributions to Indian music, cinema, and social consciousness have left an indelible mark, making this milestone an occasion to honour his unparalleled influence.

Hazarika’s artistry went beyond mere melodies; his songs were a powerful reflection of compassion, unity, and social justice. His voice captured the soul of the common people, weaving themes of humanity and belonging that inspired generations. Rooted in Assam’s rich folk traditions, his work carried the essence of its indigenous culture while resonating across borders, uniting diverse communities through music.

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From a young age, Hazarika displayed remarkable talent. At five, he performed publicly, earning praise from Assamese literary giant Lakshminath Bezbaruah. By his teens, he had recorded his first song, setting the stage for a prolific career. Influenced by cultural luminaries like Jyoti Prasad Agarwala and Bishnu Prasad Rabha, Hazarika’s curiosity drove him to excel at institutions like Cotton College and Banaras Hindu University.

His time in the United States further shaped his worldview, where he connected with global icons like Paul Robeson, whose “Ol’ Man River” inspired Hazarika’s iconic “Bistirno Parore.” His performances of Indian folk music earned him a Gold Medal from former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.

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Choosing to return to India over a life abroad, Hazarika immersed himself in music, film, radio, and theatre. His compositions championed the marginalised—boatmen, tea garden workers, farmers, and women—while addressing issues like rural development and social equity.

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His work, both nostalgic and forward-looking, gave voice to the aspirations of the underprivileged, particularly from socially disadvantaged communities.

Hazarika’s legacy embodies the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.’ His songs in Assamese, Bengali, and Hindi bridged linguistic and regional divides, amplifying Assam’s cultural identity across India and its diaspora. Beyond music, his brief tenure as an independent MLA from Nauboicha in 1967 reflected his commitment to public service, earning him the trust of the people.