Guwahati, Feb 25: Celebrating the life, legacy, and timeless creativity of the Bard of the Brahmaputra, Dr Bhupen Hazarika Centre for Creativity at The Assam Royal Global University (RGU) today released the book “BHUPEN HAZARIKA: Twenty Songs and Seven Portraits” as part of the Centenary Celebrations of the legendary artist.
The event also featured a panel discussion and the screening of a 65-minute biographical documentary, “Bhupen Da Uncut”, showcasing rare, digitised footage of Dr Bhupen Hazarika filmed in the UK in 1999.
The book was formally launched in the presence of eminent dignitaries, scholars, artists, and admirers of Dr Hazarika’s extraordinary legacy. Edited by Sattyakee D’com Bhuyan, the anthology presents English translations of twenty iconic songs by Arkupal Ra Acharya, alongside seven in-depth essays by distinguished writers from the region.
Welcoming the gathering, Prof Amarjyoti Choudhury, Chair, Dr Bhupen Hazarika Centre for Creativity, RGU, described the publication as a celebration of Dr Hazarika’s boundless creative genius.
“‘BHUPEN HAZARIKA: Twenty Songs and Seven Portraits’ reflects the extraordinary breadth of his creativity, vast like an ocean. His songs remind us that love for humanity is profound and beautiful yet finds its fullest expression in serving and strengthening one’s own community. He truly carried an ocean of creativity within him,” he said.
Addressing the august gathering, Dr A K Pansari, Chancellor, RGU, stated, “The Centre for Creativity at Royal Global University, which proudly bears his name and is led by noted scholar and artist Prof Amarjyoti Choudhury, remains committed to preserving and advancing the legacy entrusted to us.”
Rahul Karmakar, Deputy Editor, The Hindu, reflected on Dr. Hazarika’s continuing relevance in contemporary socio-cultural discourse. Singer composer J. P. Das shared personal and artistic insights into the legendary composer’s journey.
Some of the distinguished guests present at the event include Bobeeta Sharma (Producer and Director of “Bhupen Da Uncut”); Dr. Nripen Borkataki, MD, USA; and Champak Borbora, Illustrator.
Describing the anthology, Sattyakee D’com Bhuyan said, “The twenty songs included in this volume have shaped the ethical and aesthetic imagination of our society.” The seven chapters in the book include: “Celebrating Life” by Pradip Acharya; “My Thirty Days with Bhupen Da in the UK” by Dr Nripen Barkataki; “77 B, Golf Club Road, Tollygunge: My Mother’s Memories with Bhupenmama” by Joor Baruah; “The Lyrical Chronicler: Bhupen Hazarika Often Did a Journalist’s Job, Musically” by Rahul Karmakar; “Shillongore Monalisa Lyngdoh” by Mitra Phukan; “The Legend Through My Eyes” by Mayukh Hazarika; and “Bhupen Da, Tezpur and the Culture We Lived With” by Dr Lakshmi Kumari Goswami.
The volume is enriched with rare photographs and visuals contributed by noted artist and photographer Labu Senapati, while the striking cover design has been created by Champak Barbora.
