Guwahati, Nov 17: The Department of English, The Assam Royal Global University
(RGU), in collaboration with Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi, organised “Reminiscing
Sudhakantha: A Colloquium on His Life and Variegated Contributions” to commemorate the
birth centenary of Dr Bhupen Hazarika.
Held on Saturday, the day-long programme brought together scholars, journalists, authors, and cultural figures from across the region and beyond to reflect upon the multifaceted legacy of the legendary artist, poet, and humanist.
Dr Sandhya Purecha, Chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, joined the gathering virtually.
In the inaugural address, Raju Das, Secretary, Sangeet Natak Akademi underlined Dr
Hazarika’s enduring role as a cultural bridge-builder who gave voice to the emotions,
aspirations, and struggles of the common people through music, cinema, and activism.
He also recalled that it was on this very day twenty-five years ago that Sattriya dance was
accorded classical status, making November 15 a doubly significant date in Assam’s cultural
calendar.
Prof Alak K. Buragohain, Vice Chancellor of RGU, spoke of the timeless power of Dr
Hazarika’s songs to bind communities and articulate the collective soul of Assam. Prof Pradip Jyoti Mahanta and Prof Indrani Sinha Ray also addressed the session.
The first technical session, chaired by Prof Shiela Bora, featured Sri Himangshu Sekhar Das, IAS (Retd.), who recalled his personal association with Dr Hazarika, particularly during the period when the latter served as Chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, and how his
leadership was instrumental in elevating Sattriya to national recognition.
Dr Samudra Gupta Kashyap, Chancellor of Nagaland University, spoke on “Bhupen
Hazarika: A Global Citizen”, highlighting the artist’s cosmopolitan sensibility and his ability
to merge regional identity with universal themes.
Prof Prasenjit Biswas of North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, examined the intellectual and aesthetic depth of Dr Hazarika’s creative vision, while Prof Bibhas Choudhury of Gauhati University discussed the contemporary relevance of Hazarika’s works and the need for sustained efforts to preserve and reinterpret his legacy for future generations.
In the second technical session, chaired by Prof Krishna Barua, Sahitya Akademi awardee
Smt. Anuradha Sharma Pujari, Prof Debarshi Prasad Nath of Tezpur University, and Prof
Jyotirmoy Prodhani of NEHU delivered insightful reflections.
The colloquium concluded with musical performances by faculty members and students, offering a fitting tribute to the bard whose art continues to inspire unity and imagination across generations.
