Guwahati: The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Assam honoured the life and legacy of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika on his 13th death anniversary.
Organised by the Assamese students’ community of IITG, the event celebrated Bhupen Hazarika’s profound contributions to music, literature and cultural heritage of Assam and India.
The event commenced with a pushpanjali (floral tribute) in Bhupen Hazarika’s memory, followed by an address by Director of IITG Prof Devendra Jalihal.
Prof Jalihal emphasised Bhupen Hazarika’s lasting influence on Assamese culture and India’s social conscience.
“We are privileged to honour Bhupen Hazarika not only as a musician but as a visionary who dedicated his life to social change through art. His message of diversity, empathy and shared humanity continues to resonate with us all,” he said.
“Today, I am deeply honoured to stand here in an auditorium named after him celebrating his legacy. We are privileged to have his sister Stuti Patel Hazarika with us today to share her memories and insight, which brings us even closer to understanding the remarkable artist and visionary he was,” he added.
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Attended by over 200 participants from the IITG community, a highlight of the programme was an interactive session with Stuti Patel Hazarika, who shared heartfelt insights into her brother’s life, his motivations and the impact of his work on Assamese society and beyond.
Known as the ‘Bard of Brahmaputra,’ Bhupen Hazarika’s works transcended cultural and geographical boundaries, capturing themes of social justice, unity and human compassion.
Born in Assam’s Sadiya in 1926, he embarked on his musical journey at a young age and returned to the state after completing his education in the United States to use his talent as a catalyst for social change.
His compositions spoke to the issues of communal harmony, rural life and the empowerment of marginalised communities.
Bhupen Hazarika’s music, rich with Assamese folk traditions and universal themes, left a lasting legacy.
Iconic songs such as Bistirno Parore, Manuhe Manuhor Babe and Ganga Behti Ho Kyun reflect his philosophy of inclusivity and humanity.
His posthumous Bharat Ratna in 2019 recognised his invaluable contributions to India’s artistic and social landscape, inspiring generations to use art as a means of fostering unity and compassion.
The commemorative event reaffirmed Bhupen Hazarika’s profound impact on Indian culture and underscored IITG’s commitment to preserving his legacy – a legacy that will continue to inspire compassion and unity for generations to come.