Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid glowing tributes to Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika on his 100th birth anniversary, describing him as a symbol of unity, peace and cultural pride for the Northeast and the nation.
“Bhupen Hazarika was a hero of India’s unity. Decades ago, when the North East was a victim of neglect, the North East was left to burn in the fire of violence and separatism, Bhupen da kept giving voice to the unity of India even in those difficult times. He dreamt of a prosperous North East. He sang songs for the North East. He sang songs for Assam…He loved Arunachal as much and that is why the Chief Minister of Arunachal has come specially today… Today, we are working day and night to realise his dreams for the North East,” the Prime Minister said in Guwahati.
Modi noted that Hazarika “dedicated his entire life to music” and that his work reflected his “immense love for Maa Bharti,” adding, “His music was special because it reflected the ideologies and principles he lived by. His immense love for Maa Bharti is evident in his songs, as he carried the vision of a united and great India throughout his life.”
Calling himself “fortunate” to participate in the centenary year celebrations of the ‘Sudhakantha,’ Modi said, “This is the centenary year of the ‘Sudhakantha,’ who gave voice to the dreams of India and connected music with emotions.”
The Prime Minister stressed that Hazarika “lived the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat’ in his songs” and that “Bhupen Hazarika’s music encompasses concept of ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat’, he was rooted in cultural traditions of India.”
Modi also highlighted the significance of the Northeast in India’s progress. “We cannot imagine country’s development without progress of Northeast. The entire country is getting acquainted with history and heritage of Northeast as Centre is emphasising cultural connectivity,” he said.
On the need to promote local traditions, Modi said, “I promote Assamese ‘gamosa’ on every occasion, urge people of Assam to be vocal for local.”
The Prime Minister also spoke about Operation Sindoor in Guwahati. He said, “We witnessed the spirit of patriotism during ‘Operation Sindoor’ as well. The country gave such a reply to Pakistan’s terrorist designs that the echo of India’s strength has reached the whole world. We have shown that India’s enemy will not be safe in any corner. New India will not compromise on its security and self-respect at any cost.”
Emphasising Assam’s cultural importance, Modi remarked, “Every aspect of Assam’s culture is amazing, extraordinary and that is why I used to say many times that the day is not far when the children of the country will read A for Assam. The culture here is a source of immense possibilities.”
The Prime Minister released a Rs 100 commemorative coin issued by the RBI in honour of Hazarika and took part in a roadshow in Guwahati where he was greeted with traditional music and a grand welcome. He also launched a biography of the maestro, titled 'Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika', written by Sahitya Akademi awardee Anuradha Sarma Pujari.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed gratitude, saying, “Today, PM Narendra Modi ji has come among us and honoured Bhupen Da, we the people of Assam will never forget this and we will always remember the Prime Minister for this reason.”
Earlier in the day, Modi visited Manipur, where he laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects worth more than Rs 8,500 crore in Churachandpur and Imphal, including the Manipur Urban Roads and drainage project, five National Highway projects, and the new Civil Secretariat at Mantripukhri.
After Churachandpur, PM Modi inaugurated multiple development projects worth more than Rs 1,200 crore at Imphal. They include the Civil Secretariat at Mantripukhri; IT SEZ Building and New Police Headquarters at Mantripukhri; Manipur Bhawans at Delhi and Kolkata; and Ima Markets, unique all women’s market, in 4 districts.
He hailed Manipur as a “land of courage and bravery” and said peace was essential for development, while also announcing efforts to expand railway connectivity in the state.
From Manipur, the Prime Minister flew to Assam, beginning a two-day visit during which he will launch and inaugurate projects worth over Rs 19,000 crore on Sunday.
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