NEW DELHI, Sept 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday underscored the lessons of humanity in the songs composed by Bhupen Hazarika, revered in Assam as ‘Sudhakantha’ (nectar-voiced) and the ‘Bard of Brahmaputra.’
Participating in the celebrations for the 100th birth anniversary of the late Hazarika, Mr Modi cited some lines from the music maestro’s compositions to stress the need to build bridges and be compassionate.
“ Bhupenda sang maanuhe maanuhor baabe, jodihe okonu nebhaabe (if man does not feel for man, who will?). His songs convey the spirit of humanity,” the PM said, adding that the government had been focusing on cultural connectivity, apart from improving rail, road, air, and water connectivity in the northeast over the past 11 years.
Mr Modi also released ₹100 centenary commemorative coin on Bharat Ratna awardee Bhupen Hazarika in Guwahati. He also released a book on the famed singer. Talking about the PM Modi visit, the Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “When Bhupen Hazarika died in 2011, Assam people wanted PM to come; happy that Modi took part in his 100th birth anniversary.”
Mr Modi arrived in Guwahati on a two-day visit to Assam attending the special tribute meeting for legendary singer Bhupen Hazarika. The PM will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for projects worth over ₹19,000 crore.
(Manas Dasgupta)
