Rich tributes paid to Bhupenda across State

BY OUR STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI, Nov 5: Assam on Sunday paid rich tributes to Dr. Bhupen Hazarika on the occasion of the music maestro’s sixth death anniversary.

Chief Minister SarbandaSonowal led the State in paying tributes to the Bard, garlanding his portrait at a programme held at Majuli on Sunday morning. Along with him, Lakhimpur MP Pradan Barua, Tingkhang MLA Bimal Bora and a host of other dignitaries also paid homage to Bhupenda.

Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal termed Dr Hazarika a great humanist who promoted humane values through evergreen masterpieces. Asserting that his government has taken steps in preserving the creations of the legendary singer, Sonowal announced that the Kolkata residence of Dr Hazarika will be converted into a cultural centre.      

There was an endless flow of people from different castes, communities and faiths to the memorial site of the Bard at Jalukbari in Guwahati to pay tributes. Those visiting Bhupenda’s samadhi khetra recalled his immense contributions in enriching the socio-cultural milieu of the State through immortal songs, and deliberated on his life and works.

The All Assam Students Union organized functions across the State to pay tributes to the music maestro. The AASU centrally organized its function on the bank of historic Dighalipukhuri lake in the city. Senior AASU leaders including Samujjal Bhattacharjya paid floral tributes to the statue of Dr Hazarika during the function.

On Sunday evening, AASU workers, students and citizens from various walks of life lit up the entire stretch of Dighalipukhuri by lighting 10,000 earthen lamps in memory of the legendary singer.

Members of Lawyers’ Association, Guwahati sang Dr Hazarika’s evocative Manuhe Manuhar Babe on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra, the river which inspired many of his creations.

The Post Graduate Students Union of Gauhati University organized a semir on the creations and life of Dr Hazarika at the varsity premises.

Meanwhile, the Assam government on Sunday officially installed the meplate of Dr Bhupen Hazarika Setu on the 9.15 km long Dhola-Sadia bridge over Lohit river.