Guwahati: Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU) organised the Bhupen Hazarika Memorial Annual Lecture at its Khanapara City Campus in Guwahati on Wednesday, focusing on the legendary artist’s role in Assam’s people’s cultural movement during the 1980s.

The lecture, titled “The People’s Cultural Movement of the 1980s and Bhupen Hazarika”, was delivered by renowned artist and cultural personality Loknath Goswami. It was organised by KKHSOU’s Bhupen Hazarika School of Mass Communication.

Drawing on his personal experiences and association with the cultural circles of the period, Goswami traced the emergence and evolution of the people’s cultural movement in Assam during the turbulent 1980s.

He highlighted how Bhupen Hazarika‘s music and creative work reflected the socio-political realities of the time and contributed to a parallel cultural movement. Goswami also discussed the role of artistic initiatives during the Assam Movement, noting how songs, performances and collective cultural expressions became means of raising social awareness and fostering solidarity.

Recounting his personal interactions with Hazarika and other cultural figures, Goswami shared anecdotes about the artistic collaborations and ideological discussions that shaped the cultural landscape of the decade. He also performed some of Hazarika’s popular songs, adding a musical dimension to the lecture.

The programme began with a welcome address by Jayanta Kumar Sarma, Director of the Bhupen Hazarika School of Mass Communication. He spoke about Hazarika’s contributions as an artist, humanist and cultural ambassador, saying his work went beyond music and reflected the aspirations, struggles and identity of the Assamese people.

The event concluded with remarks by KKHSOU Registrar Pranab Saikia, who stressed the importance of preserving Assam’s intellectual and cultural heritage through academic discussions and memorial programmes.

Faculty members, research scholars, students and participants from other institutions attended the programme, which was held in a packed auditorium.