GUWAHATI: “Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s songs spoke of humanity, brotherhood and peace. He considered the whole world his home. Empathy for fellow human beings was the strongest quality of his character and we all must imbibe those humanistic values.” Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said while taking part in the programme of 7th death anniversary of Dr Bhupen Hazarika organised by Cultural Directorate, Government of Assam at the premises of the late doyen’s memorial at Jalukbari in the city.
Urging the people to follow the ideals of Dr. Hazarika who always worked for uniting all sections of society through his creations where cultures of all communities of the state got reflected, Sonowal said that people must strive for defeating the evil designs of the forces trying to disturb the social harmony of the state. Calling for unity and brotherhood among the people, Sonowal said that only through harmony and not through conflict the state can be developed.
“Transcending the boundaries of country and region, Dr Hazarika was able to establish Assamese identity on the global cultural map and introduced the world to the music and culture of the land. It was the dream of Dr Hazarika to build a greater Assamese society based on the humanitarian values and we must strive hard to realise his dreams following his ideals of universal brotherhood.” Sonowal said.
The chief minister called on the youth of the state to spread the message unity and harmony and not hatred on social media while defending the age old unity and harmony of the Assamese society in the face newer challenges. Informing that the houses of the Assamese cultural doyen at Kolkata and Kuthori at Kaziranga would be preserved by the state government, Sonowal said that 300 bighas of land have been acquired by the government for the purpose of setting up ‘Dr Bhupen Hazarika Samannway Kshetra’ near the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Setu connecting Dhola and Sadiya.
Sonowal also inaugurated the museum containing the memorabilia of Dr. Hazarika named ‘Sonowali Suworoni’ on the occasion. The visitors to the museum would be able to get insight into the maestro’s creative process, witness some rare photographs, interviews etc.