Tribute to Dr Bhupen Hazarika by USTM & Axom Xahitya Xabha
GUWAHATI: On the occasion of the 8th death anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika, the University of Science & Technology Meghalaya and Axom Xahitya Xabha (AXX) fondly remembered the “Xudhakantha” by paying floral tribute, singing his timeless songs and also by staging a play that featured folk culture of Assam. The programme was graced by Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor, USTM; Dr Paramananda Rajbonshi, President of AXX; Dr Shah Md. Tanvir Monsur, Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh at Guwahati, apart from other members of the two institutions.
Welcoming the guests and students, Mahbubul Hoque said that the people of the region are ever grateful to Dr Bhupen Hazarika who dedicated his life to sing for humanity and brought the rich folk heritage of Assam and the North East interpreting it beautifully for the world through his everlasting songs. “Bhupen da is very close to our heart. At USTM we have dedicated a research fellowship in his name for doing research on the literary work of this great personality”, he said.
As per a press release, Dr Paramananda Rajbonshi said that Dr Hazarika had been an integral part of AXX and recalled his tenure as its president during 1993. His songs, mainly written in Assamese language and sang by himself are marked by humanity and universal brotherhood. A play titled “Kamala Kuwarir Xadhu”, written and directed by Dr Rajbonshi was also staged by students on the auspicious occasion at the Central Auditorium of USTM.
Expressing his feelings about the legendary singer and composer, Dr Shah Md. Tanvir Monsur stated that Dr Bhupen Hazarika will always live in the minds and hearts of the people of Bangladesh. He said that the death anniversary of Dr Hazarika is also being observed in Dhaka and a 43 member cultural team from Asam Sahitya Sabha is performing in Dhaka on this occasion. “This is certainly a novel way of promoting bi-lateral relationship between the neighbouring countries”, he added.