Assam Down Town University (ADTU) commemorated the death anniversary of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika by organizing a tribute event in Guwahati. This event paid homage to the illustrious musician, poet, and filmmaker, who is celebrated for his significant contributions to Assamese culture.
The principal speaker at the event was Kulada Kumar Bhattacharya, a distinguished figure in the realm of theatre and film within the state. In his address, Mr. Bhattacharya shared his personal encounters and collaborations with Dr. Bhupen Hazarika in the context of several cinematic projects. Notably, Mr. Bhattacharya recently received national recognition through a film award for his exceptional contribution to a documentary.
The commencement of the event featured a welcoming address delivered by Dr. Prateeti Barman, who holds the position of Dean within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Assam Down Town University. Dr. Barman emphasized the enduring importance of commemorating the legacy of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, whose influence persists as a source of inspiration for artists and music aficionados.
Utpal Datta, the Dean of Performing Arts at the university, introduced Kulada Kumar Bhattacharya, drawing attention to his substantial contributions to Assamese cinema and theatre. Bhattacharya’s personal connection with Dr. Bhupen Hazarika added a poignant dimension to the event, underlining the genuine relationship between the chief speaker and the legendary artist.
Dr. Sagarika Mahanta Das played a significant role by bestowing honour upon Mr. Bhattacharya at the outset of the event, thereby reinforcing the evening’s significance and underscoring the deep respect accorded to individuals who have enriched Assam’s cultural heritage.
In his lecture, Bhattacharya recounted his experiences and shared recollections of his collaboration with Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. He delved into the dynamics of their creative partnership, recounted poignant anecdotes, and expressed his profound admiration for the great artist. Mr. Bhattacharya’s insights shed light on the dedication and passion that fueled Dr. Hazarika’s artistic endeavours.
In his concluding address, Dr. N. C. Talukdar, the Vice-Chancellor of Assam Down Town University, expressed his gratitude to Mr. Bhattacharya. He commended the university’s commendable efforts in organizing the tribute event and underscored the imperative of preserving the legacies of cultural luminaries such as Dr. Bhupen Hazarika.
Beyond the spoken word, the evening was enriched by the vibrant performances of ADTU’s students. They paid homage to Dr. Bhupen Hazarika by rendering renditions of his cherished compositions, evoking a profound sense of nostalgia among the attendees. Furthermore, the students captivated the audience with spirited dance performances set to the timeless melodies composed by Dr. Hazarika.
The event’s culmination was marked by Pankhi Kashyap extending expressions of gratitude to all the attendees, participants, and contributors who had collectively contributed to the success of the tribute program. The proceedings of the evening were adeptly orchestrated by Puja Deka, who skilfully guided the audience through the various segments of the event.
