GUWAHATI: The BJP-led NDA government on Friday posthumously conferred Bharat Ratna, country’s highest civilian honour, on music maestro Bhupen Hazarika, the Bard of Brahmaputra.
The award was also conferred on former President Pranab Mukherjee and social activist Nanaji Deshmukh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to congratulate the late musician, lyricist, singer, filmmaker Bhupen Hazarika
The PM tweeted, “The songs and music of Shri Bhupen Hazarika are admired by people across generations. From them radiates the message of justice, harmony and brotherhood. He popularised India’s musical traditions globally. Happy that the Bharat Ratna has been conferred on Bhupen Da.”
The culture icon, who passed away on November 5, 2011, used to compositions in multiple languages including Bengali, Hindi, Oriya besides Assamese, and is remembered for his numerous timeless numbers that are being still hummed by music lovers all over.
The late iconic musician and filmmaker also contributed to the Indian film industry for 72 years. He directed Assamese films like Era Bator Sur (1956), Mahut Bandhu Re (1958), Mon-Prajapati (1979) and Swikarokti (1986).