Dr Bhupen Hazarika centenary celebrations
Guwahati, September 3, 2026: The year-long centenary celebrations commemorating legendary Assamese musician, singer, filmmaker and cultural icon Dr Bhupen Hazarika concluded at Royal Global University (RGU) in Guwahati on Thursday.
The concluding programme brought together academics, artists, cultural personalities and members of the university community to remember Hazarika’s immense contribution to Assamese culture and his lasting influence across the Northeast and India.
The programme opened with a welcome address by Dr Amarjyoti Choudhury, who reflected on the importance of preserving and remembering Dr Hazarika’s artistic and cultural legacy. His work, particularly his music and socially conscious themes, continues to connect with audiences across generations.
Book on Bhupen Hazarika’s life unveiled
One of the major highlights of the concluding ceremony was the launch of “Dr Bhupen Hazarika: The Man His Times.”
The book, edited by P.J. Baruah and Stuti Goswami, explores the life, era and cultural influence of the legendary artist. Its release added an important literary dimension to the centenary celebrations, providing an opportunity to examine Hazarika’s contribution beyond his music.
The event was attended by Manas Choudhury, Managing Director of The Shillong Times, who was present as the chief guest. In his address, he emphasised the continuing relevance of Hazarika’s work and his role in shaping the cultural identity of the Northeast.
Musical performances honour the legend
Music remained at the heart of the closing programme, with artists presenting performances dedicated to Dr Bhupen Hazarika.
Anirban Das, Dr Maitreyee Patar and Mayukh Hazarika performed songs associated with the legendary musician, bringing the centenary observance to a musical close.
The performances reflected the enduring popularity of Hazarika’s compositions and their ability to carry messages of humanity, social consciousness and cultural unity.
RGU’s year-long tribute comes to an end
The concluding ceremony marked the end of a series of programmes organised by RGU to celebrate the birth centenary of Dr Bhupen Hazarika.
RGU’s Dr Bhupen Hazarika Centre for Creativity has been associated with initiatives highlighting the musician’s artistic and intellectual legacy. The university had earlier announced plans for a Bhupen Hazarika museum on its campus as part of its efforts to preserve his memory and cultural contributions.
Dr Bhupen Hazarika, popularly known as Sudhakantha and widely remembered as the “Bard of the Brahmaputra,” remains one of Assam’s most influential cultural figures. His songs addressed themes of humanity, equality, social justice and universal brotherhood, helping Assamese music reach audiences far beyond the region.
The RGU programme therefore served not merely as the closing ceremony of a centenary celebration but also as a reminder of the continuing relevance of Hazarika’s ideas, music and cultural vision.
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