Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati honored the life and legacy of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika on the 13th anniversary of his passing. Organized by Team Bohagor Duwardolit, the institute’s Assamese students’ community, the program celebrated Dr. Hazarika’s profound contributions to music, literature, and the cultural heritage of Assam and India.
Known as the “Bard of the Brahmaputra,” Dr. Hazarika’s work transcended cultural and geographical boundaries, capturing themes of social justice, unity, and human compassion. Born in Sadiya, Assam, in 1926, he embarked on his musical journey at a young age and returned to Assam after completing his education in the United States to use his talent as a catalyst for social change. His compositions spoke to the issues of communal harmony, rural life, and the empowerment of marginalized communities.
The event commenced with a pushpanjali (floral tribute) in Dr. Hazarika’s memory, followed by an address from Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati. He emphasized Dr. Hazarika’s lasting influence on Assamese culture and India’s social conscience, saying, “We are privileged to honor Dr. Bhupen Hazarika not only as a musician but as a visionary who dedicated his life to social change through art. His message of diversity, empathy, and shared humanity continues to resonate with us all. Today, I am deeply honored to stand here in an auditorium named after him, celebrating his legacy. We are privileged to have his sister, Smt. Stuti Patel Hazarika, with us today to share her memories and insight, which bring us even closer to understanding the remarkable artist and visionary he was.”
Attended by over 200 participants from the IIT Guwahati community, a highlight of the program was an interactive session with Dr. Hazarika’s sister, Smt. Stuti Patel Hazarika, who shared heartfelt insights into her brother’s life, his motivations, and the impact of his work on Assamese society and beyond.
Dr. Hazarika’s music, rich with Assamese folk traditions and universal themes, left a lasting legacy. Iconic songs such as Bistirno Parore, Manuhe Manuhor Babe, and Ganga Behti Ho Kyun reflect his philosophy of inclusivity and humanity. His posthumous Bharat Ratna in 2019 recognized his invaluable contributions to India’s artistic and social landscape, inspiring generations to use art as a means of fostering unity and compassion.
This commemorative event reaffirmed Dr. Hazarika’s profound impact on Indian culture and underscored IIT Guwahati’s commitment to preserving his legacy—a legacy that will continue to inspire compassion and unity for generations to come.
