Assam Government to Preserve Bhupen Hazarikas Kolkata Home: Himanta Biswa Sarma

Guwahati, September 8 (Daily Kiran) : Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, announced on Tuesday that the state government is taking steps to preserve the Kolkata home of renowned musician and cultural icon Bhupen Hazarika. This initiative is part of efforts to safeguard Hazarika’s creative legacy.

Sarma emphasized that a significant part of Hazarika’s life was spent in Kolkata, making the preservation of this residence essential. In a post on social media platform X, he stated, “A part of Bhupen da’s life was spent in Kolkata, and we cannot allow that part to fade away.” He highlighted that as Assam celebrates Hazarika’s birth centenary, the government is committed to protecting his home in Tollygunge, which he described as a precious element of the musician’s creative heritage.

Known affectionately as Bhupen da, Hazarika is one of Assam’s most revered cultural figures. His contributions to Indian music, cinema, and literature are widely acknowledged. His works reflect themes of humanity, social justice, harmony, and the lives of ordinary people.

Hazarika spent a significant portion of his life in Kolkata, where he engaged with the Bengali film and music industry and built close relationships with many prominent cultural figures. His connection to Kolkata has been a vital part of his artistic journey, making the preservation of his old home important for fans across Assam, West Bengal, and beyond.

This initiative comes at a time when preparations for Hazarika’s birth centenary celebrations are intensifying, with plans for commemorative events. The goal is to ensure that locations associated with this great musician’s life and work are preserved for future generations.

Born on September 8, 1926, in Sadiya, Assam, Hazarika emerged as one of the most influential voices in the Northeast over his decades-long career. He played a crucial role in bringing Assamese music and culture to national and international audiences. In 2019, he was posthumously awarded India’s highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna.