It’s been 14 years since Assam lost its favorite voice, but today the whole state feels like it’s singing his songs again. People from every corner gathered to remember Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, the simple man who turned everyday stories into hits that touch your heart.
Born in 1926 in Tinsukia, he was a singer, poet, filmmaker, and someone who always spoke up for the little guy. His gravelly voice in songs like “Bistirno Parore” or “Manuhe Manuhor Babe” made us feel connected, like family across the Brahmaputra. He got big awards like the Bharat Ratna in 1999, and sadly passed away on this day in 2011 from health issues. But his music? It’s still everywhere, reminding us to be kind to each other.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma kicked off the day by paying respects at the Bhupen Hazarika Samanway Tirtha in Jalukbari. He laid flowers at the memorial and said, “Bhupen Da wasn’t just a singer—he was our guide, teaching us to see everyone as our own.” Sarma shared how over two lakh folks across the state would form human chains and sing “Manuhe Manuhor Babe” today. He even talked about pushing the UN to call it a song for humanity. To keep his memory alive this centenary year, the government plans a huge 100-foot statue near the Bhupen Hazarika Setu bridge and a road named after him in every district. “We’re doing all this because his words still help us build a better Assam,” he added. 
Tributes came flooding in from big names too. Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan offered flowers at Raj Bhavan in Chhattisgarh, calling Hazarika the one who “united hearts with his soulful tunes.” Union Home Minister Amit Shah posted online, praising him as a maestro who showed Assam’s spirit to the world and brought people together. Singer Papon, who grew up on his folk sounds, wrote, “His songs are like old friends—they guide us through tough times.” Bollywood’s Jackie Shroff kept it short and sweet: “Missing Bhupen Hazarika ji today.” Even the Assam Congress shared a video, saying his voice for unity still inspires us all.
Railways folks like DRM Jodhpur and North Western Railway remembered him as a Padma Vibhushan winner with simple posts and photos.The day buzzed with events big and small. At Latasil Playground in Guwahati, thousands linked arms for the human chain, their voices rising like a river in flood. In Jorhat Stadium, Minister Atul Bora joined a live tribute, with crowds singing late into the evening. Udalguri had a music night packed with his old hits, while Bokakhat’s schools put on a quick show of his top songs, ending with everyone belting out the humanity anthem. Diphu’s KASA Stadium saw 5,000 people hold hands and sway, and Sivasagar’s fields filled up with flowers and dances from his films.
The All Assam Students’ Union lit up 10,000 lamps by Dighalipukhuri lake, their soft light mixing with stories of how he fought for the poor. Finance Minister Ajanta Neog, at one gathering, teared up a bit, saying his lyrics “hold our society together like glue.”Fans’ groups like the Bhupen Hazarika Fans Association held quiet meets, sharing clips of his life. MP Bhubaneswar Kalita showed up at a government event, posting pics and calling his vision “a light for young people.”
