PM Modi keeps 'Xudhakontho' alive as he forgets he is no more while Assam rejoices with pride

Guwahati, January 25, 2019:

In great news for the state of Assam, its Xudakontho, Assam Ratna Bhupen Hazarika (8 September 1926-5 November 2011) has been posthumously awarded India’s highest honor, the Bharat Ratna on the eve of India’s 70th Republic Day. Yet, the Prime Minister, in a tweet congratulating the late maestro, forgot to mention that he is no more, instead referring to him as "Shri Bhupen Hazarika". At a sensitive time when the entire state is reeling under the fear of the proposed Citizenship Amendment Bill, could this blunder prove costly to the PM?

It is to be mentioned that Hazarika was awarded the second highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan in 2012.

Apart from Xudakontho Hazarika, Nanaji Deshmukh(11 October 1916-27 February 2010) (posthumously) and former President Pranab Mukherjee (born 11 December 1935) have also been awarded the country’s highest civilian honor.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his congratulations to all three recipients on Twitter.

“The songs and music of Shri Bhupen Hazarika are admired by people across generations. From them radiates the message of justice, harmony and brotherhood. He popularised India’s musical traditions globally. Happy that the Bharat Ratna has been conferred on Bhupen Da”, the Prime Minister’s official tweet read, in reference to the legendary Assamese folk singer Hazarika.

“Pranab Da is an outstanding statesman of our times. He has served the nation selflessly and tirelessly for decades, leaving a strong imprint on the nation’s growth trajectory. His wisdom and intellect has few parallels. Delighted that he has been conferred the Bharat Ratna”, read the PM’s tweet referring to former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, often fondly known as Pranab Da.

“Nanaji Deshmukh’s stellar contribution towards rural development showed the way for a new paradigm of empowering those living in our villages. He personifies humility, compassion and service to the downtrodden. He is a Bharat Ratna in the truest sense”, read the PMs tweet congratulating social activist Nanaji Deshmukh.