PM Modi Pays Tribute To Bhupen Hazarika On 100th Birth Anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tribute to legendary singer, composer, lyricist and filmmaker Dr Bhupen Hazarika on his 100th birth anniversary, remembering his contribution to Indian music and his role in taking the cultural voice of Assam and the Northeast to audiences across the country.

In a post on X, Modi said Hazarika’s voice carried the “soul of Assam” and the spirit of the Northeast to the entire nation. He also highlighted the musician’s ability to give expression to the thoughts and aspirations of people through his music.

“Through his music he beautifully gave expression to the thoughts and spirit of countless people. His songs brought people closer,” the Prime Minister said.

Modi also recalled attending the launch of Hazarika’s birth centenary celebrations in Guwahati last year, when the year-long commemorative programme began.

“Bhupen Da’s life and work will continue to inspire generations,” Modi said in his tribute.

Born on September 8, 1926, in Sadiya, Assam, Hazarika went on to become one of the most influential figures in Indian music and cinema. Popularly known as the “Bard of the Brahmaputra”, he used music to reflect the lives, struggles and aspirations of people while promoting themes of humanity, social harmony and universal brotherhood.

His work also helped introduce the folk traditions and musical heritage of Assam and the wider Northeast to audiences beyond the region. His songs and compositions reached listeners across linguistic and geographical boundaries, establishing him as a major cultural bridge between the Northeast and the rest of India.

Hazarika received several of India’s highest cultural honours during his lifetime and posthumously, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan and Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian honour. He was conferred the Bharat Ratna posthumously in 2019.

His birth centenary has been marked by year-long programmes celebrating his music, ideas and enduring cultural legacy. The celebrations have highlighted not only his contribution to Assamese culture but also his wider message of unity, harmony and cultural connectivity.

As the nation remembers Hazarika a century after his birth, his music continues to serve as a powerful link between Assam, the Northeast and the broader cultural landscape of India.