‘Not just Assam’s icon’: Bhupen Hazarika’s legacy celebrated at Kolkata home

Assam government officials on Sunday, September 6, visited the Kolkata residence of legendary singer, composer and filmmaker Bhupen Hazarika in Tollygunge as part of celebrations marking his birth centenary.

Additional Chief Secretary Kalyan Chakraborty, Director of Culture Rahul Chandra Das and other senior officials visited the residence where Hazarika lived and composed some of his music during his years in Kolkata.

Speaking at the site, Chakraborty said Hazarika's influence extended well beyond Assam and the Northeast.

“Dr Bhupen Hazarika used to compose his music here in Kolkata. Everyone knows Dr Bhupen Hazarika. He is not only an icon of Assam and the Northeast, but an icon for people across the country and beyond,” he said.

Chakraborty highlighted Hazarika's remarkable academic and artistic journey, noting that he was among the few artistes whose work was backed by a deep theoretical and philosophical understanding of art, cinema and theatre. Hazarika earned his doctorate from Columbia University.

He said Hazarika used music as a force to bring cultures and communities together and to speak about social equality. His songs drew from diverse folk traditions and were performed in several languages, including Assamese, Bengali and Hindi.

Hazarika's musical journey also brought him into association with some of India's most celebrated singers, including Lata Mangeshkar and Manna Dey.

The Assam official said Hazarika's ability to blend different musical traditions while refining his expression made his work enduring and universal.

He also referred to Hazarika's iconic song Manuhe Manuhor Babe, saying its message of humanity and collective responsibility remains relevant.

The song, he said, reflects the idea that people must come together to address social problems irrespective of caste or creed.

Chakraborty expressed gratitude to the people of Kolkata for preserving Hazarika's memory and said the Assam government hoped his association with the city would continue to be remembered as part of his enduring legacy.

The visit was part of events being organised to commemorate the birth centenary of Hazarika, whose music and cultural contributions continue to resonate across the country.