NE cultural centre near Bhupen Setu: CM

Bridge set to cement ties between Assam and Aruchal Pradesh

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, May 28: Bhupen Hazarika Setu (Dhola-Sadia Bridge) is set to cement ties between Assam and Aruanchal Pradesh, and among other States in the region.

Since Friday last, the bridge has been wearing a festive look with people from Aruchal Pradesh, Tinsukia and Dibrugarh keep visiting it, taking selfies, doing photo shoots etc. Known as a bridge builder when he was alive by bridging gaps between tions and States, Hazarika is set to cement the ties between Assam and Aruchal Pradesh even when he is no longer alive. With support from the Government in Aruchal Pradesh, a life-size statue (ten-foot tall) of the balladeer is being installed at Balunggaon, the tive village in Sadiya along Aruchal Pradesh border where the maestro was born.

Dr. Hazarika is a household me in Aruchal Pradesh as well since he wrote a large number of songs with the life and culture of the neighbouring State. It seems as if the neighbouring State is paying it back now. The statue crafted by renowned sculptor Biren Singha was taken to the village via Bhupen Hazarika Setu today.

Meanwhile, in a bid to take Bhupen Hazarika’s message of peace and harmony forward as well as to showcase the rich and unique art and culture of Assam and the Northeast before Indian and global tourists under one platform, Government of Assam will construct ‘Uttar-Pub Sanskritik Samanway Kshetra’ near Bhupen Hazarika Bridge in Tinsukia district. Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal announced this today.

In a press statement, Sonowal said that Bhupen Hazarika, through his music, popularized the art and culture of Assam and the Northeast in India and the world. The profoundness of his thoughts and words strengthened the bond of amity amongst the people of the Northeast.

Further the Chief Minister stated that dedication of the bridge connecting Dhola with Sadiaghat on May 26 by Prime Minister rendra Modi to the tion and ming the same after Bhupen Hazarika was a moment of pride for the people of Assam.

Terming the Bhupen Hazarika bridge as a ‘Bridge of Hope’, Sonowal mentioned that the State Government’s decision to construct ‘Uttar-Pub Sanskritik Samanway Kshetra’ near the bridge will give a fillip to tourism in the state as the tourists visiting the Samanway Kshetra will be able know the art and culture of Assam as well as that of the Northeast under one roof. The Chief Minister also hoped that the Samanway Kshetra will boost harmony amongst the people of the Northeast.