Assam Pays Tribute to Bhupen Hazarika on 14th Death Anniversary
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma led a state-organized tribute to Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika on his 14th death anniversary, with thousands participating in a human chain singing 'Manuhe Manuhor Babe' across all districts. The government is seeking UN recognition for the song as the 'Anthem of Humanity' and planning a year-long centenary celebration, including dedicated cultural evenings and a 100-foot statue of Hazarika at the Dhola-Sadiya Bridge to symbolize Assam-Arunachal unity.
On the 14th death anniversary of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma presided over a tribute event organized by the state government at Dr Bhupen Hazarika Samannay Tirtha in Guwahati. The event featured a large-scale human chain where citizens, students, and artists collectively sang Hazarika's iconic song 'Manuhe Manuhor Babe'. Similar programmes were held in all 35 districts and 27 subdivisions of Assam, with around 2 lakh people participating. The Chief Minister highlighted the song's universal significance and announced the government's intent to submit a formal request to the United Nations for recognizing it as the 'Anthem of Humanity'. He expressed confidence based on previous successes, such as UNESCO World Heritage status for Charaideo Maidam and Classical Language status for Assamese. The state is also celebrating Hazarika’s birth centenary year with events planned in Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad, culminating in Delhi. During Rongali Bihu, one evening will be exclusively dedicated to Hazarika, supported by additional grants to Bihu committees. To immortalize Hazarika's legacy and his contribution to Assamese culture and unity with Arunachal Pradesh, the government plans to install a 100-foot statue at the Dhola-Sadiya Bridge and name roads in his honor across Assam. The event also included tributes by Cultural Affairs Minister Bimal Bora, officials, and Hazarika’s family members. The Chief Minister concluded by announcing that Hazarika’s song 'Swahid Pranamo Tumak' will be played statewide during the inauguration of the Martyrs' Memorial in Guwahati on December 10.
