The Song Still Lives On: Assam Remembers Bhupen Hazarika with One Voice

Fourteen years after he left this world, Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s voice continues to echo across Assam — in every note, every melody, and every heart that beats for humanity. On Wednesday, the state paid glowing tribute to the “Sudhakantha” on his 14th death anniversary with mass singing events, cultural parades, and soulful performances from Guwahati to Dhubri, Goalpara to Lakhimpur.

At the Latasil playground in Guwahati, a grand event organized by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Kamrup (Metro) district administration saw 5,000 artists sing Dr. Hazarika’s timeless anthem “Manuhe Manuhor Babe” in unison. The performance symbolized the essence of the maestro’s message — unity, compassion, and humanity.

At the BJP’s state headquarters in Basistha, party president Dilip Saikia lit a ceremonial lamp and offered floral tributes before Dr. Hazarika’s portrait. Accompanied by party workers, Saikia sang “Manuhe Manuhor Babe” to honour the people’s artist.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, attending a commemorative programme at the Bhupen Hazarika Samannay Kshetra in Jalukbari, announced that the Assam Government will urge the United Nations to recognize “Manuhe Manuhor Babe” as the “Song of Humanity.” He further unveiled a series of initiatives to immortalize the Sudhakantha’s legacy — including a 100-foot statue near the Dhola-Sadiya Bridge, naming a road in every town after Dr. Hazarika, dedicating a day during Bihu in his memory, and organizing a centenary celebration at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

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In the Dhubri district of Assam, more than 5,000 students and artists came together at Bhola Nath College ground to sing “Manuhe Manuhor Babe.” The 17-minute synchronised performance turned into a moving spectacle of music and emotion.

Similar scenes unfolded across the state — in Goalpara district, over 3,000 people joined hands at Goalpara College ground, while Minister Nandita Garlosa joined the crowd in paying tribute through music. In Lakhimpur, 5,000 students and teachers assembled at the Government Higher Secondary School field, led by artist Mridul Baruah, to sing for humanity.

At Morigaon, Minister Pijush Hazarika attended a massive tribute where thousands rendered the maestro’s songs at the Tarun Ram Phukan playground. Education Minister Ranoj Pegu joined a similar programme in Dhemaji, while Ashok Singhal graced the event in Biswanath, where artists from Kamalakanta Natya Samaj performed Dr. Hazarika’s compositions.

Across towns and villages, musical homages echoed in heartfelt simplicity — from Tezpur, where dancers and singers performed in memory of the maestro, to Jogighopa, where flautist Rohiteswar Barman offered a stirring instrumental version of “Manuhe Manuhor Babe.”

The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) held a solemn tribute at Rajiv Bhawan in Guwahati, with leaders Bipul Gogoi and Mira Borthakur in attendance. 

Meanwhile, the Assam Recitation and Cultural Council too marked the day with events in its 32 district branches, as part of its year-long centenary celebration of Dr. Hazarika.

Fourteen years may have passed, but the voice that sang for justice, unity, and love remains eternal. On this day, Assam did not merely remember Bhupen Hazarika — it sang his song once again, together, for humanity.