GUWAHATI, Nov. 5: The Assam government has decided to approach the United Nations (UN) to recognise Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika’s timeless song, ‘Manuhe Manuhor Babe’ as the ‘Anthem of Humanity’.
Leading the state in paying rich tributes to the Bard of the Brahmaputra on his 14th death anniversary during the ‘shraddhanjali’ programme at the Bhupen Hazarika Samannay Tirtha here on Wednesday, chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “Manuhe Manuhor Babe is not just Assam’s treasure; it belongs to humanity.”
“The state government is working to get the song recognised as the Anthem of Humanity, as the government has decided to submit a formal request to the United Nations for this recognition,” Sarma said.
“Just as the present government succeeded in obtaining the UNESCO World Heritage status for the Charaideo Maidam and Classical Language status for Assamese, Assam will also succeed in securing recognition of ‘Manuhe Manuhor Babe’ as the Anthem of Humanity in the coming days,” he said at the programme organised by the state cultural affairs department.
During the event, a human chain performed the iconic song in unison. Joining the chorus, the chief minister also paid his heartfelt tribute to the music legend.
Expressing his feeling on the occasion, Sarma informed that synchronising with the occasion special homage programmes were organised in all 35 districts and 27 sub-divisions of the state, where thousands of students, youths and citizens participated in human chains and collectively lent their voice for ‘Manuhe Manuhor Babe’.
Around two lakh artistes, and citizens across the state, in both Barak and Brahmaputra valleys, participated to pay their respects on the occasion.
The chief minister said during the Rongali Bihu celebrations, steps have been taken to dedicate at least one evening exclusively in memory of Bhupen Hazarika. “The government has decided to provide additional grants to Bihu committees for organising such dedicated evenings, celebrating Hazarika’s rich legacy,” he said.
The All-Assam Students’ Union (AASU) also paid floral tributes at Hazarika’s statue at Dighalipukhuri here where the leaders of the union were joined by students to honour the legacy of Hazarika.
