GUWAHATI: To mark the birth centenary of Bharat Ratna Xudhakantha Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, the first meeting of the core committee was held today at Lok Sewa Bhawan under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma. The meeting reviewed various aspects of the year-long celebration of the legendary artiste.
Dr. Sarma announced that the centenary celebrations will be observed from September 8 this year to September 8 next year and described it as a public celebration. The state government will provide all necessary support to ensure widespread participation.
As part of the initiatives, the Chief Minister said that the process to rename Dibrugarh Airport after Dr. Bhupen Hazarika is already underway. The Assam Cabinet has approved the proposal, which will be forwarded to the Central Government after ratification by the Assam Legislative Assembly.
The Chief Minister pointed out that no currency has yet been released in his name. The government is currently in discussion with the Reserve Bank of India and the Ministry of Finance to issue a commemorative coin.
The Assam Publication Board has assigned writer and journalist Anuradha Sharma Pujari to compile a commemorative volume on Dr. Hazarika. A draft has already been submitted, and upon publication, it will be translated into 23 Indian languages and distributed among ten lakh people across Assam and around four lakh students in schools, colleges and universities in the rest of the country.
The celebrations will take place in regions significant to Dr. Hazarika’s life and legacy — namely Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal, and Maharashtra. The inaugural event is scheduled to be held in Guwahati on September 8, and the closing event will take place at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, in 2026.
Dr. Sarma also announced the launch of a nationwide essay-writing competition open to students and the general public, following the successful model of the Lachit Borphukan anniversary. A dedicated portal will be created for participation.
During the meeting, representatives of various organizations and eminent individuals shared their suggestions for conducting the celebrations effectively. The Chief Minister shared that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the inaugural function on September 8 in Guwahati. Invitations will also be sent to the chief ministers of the Northeastern states.
He also mentioned the possibility of expanding the committee to include representatives from literary organizations. Virtual participation options will be made available for upcoming meetings. The government aims to celebrate the centenary with dignity and solemnity, preserving Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s legacy for the next 100 years, stated a press release.
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