Assam to launch grand year-long centenary tribute to Bhupen Hazarika with national celebrations

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 13, 2025

In a landmark decision, the Assam Cabinet on Saturday approved a grand year-long celebration marking the 100th birth anniversary of music legend Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, beginning September 8, 2025, and continuing until September 8, 2026. The commemoration will span across India with major events, cultural tributes, and educational initiatives to honour the legacy of the cultural icon.

A 50-member celebration committee, headed by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, will oversee the centenary programs. All chief ministers of the northeastern states will serve as patrons of the committee, highlighting Dr. Hazarika’s unifying influence across the region.

The government has also invited the President or Prime Minister to attend both the inaugural event on September 8, 2025, and the closing ceremony on September 8, 2026, as chief guests.

“This is a proud moment for Assam and the Northeast. Dr. Hazarika is not just a musician—he’s a cultural institution, and this celebration will reflect the depth of his legacy,” said Chief Minister Sarma.

As part of the centenary festivities, the state government has planned high-profile events in New Delhi, Guwahati, Arunachal Pradesh, Kolkata and Mumbai.

In addition, a major infrastructure project in the state will be named after Dr. Hazarika, though the specific nature of the structure is yet to be revealed.

A biographical book, authored by acclaimed writer Anuradha Sarma Pujari, will be published and distributed to 10 lakh people. The book will be translated into all major Indian languages, ensuring Dr. Hazarika’s life and work reach a pan-India audience.

A documentary film chronicling his life and artistic journey will be produced in three languages—Assamese, Hindi, and English. Special awareness and tribute programs will also be held in schools and educational institutions to educate younger generations about the maestro’s contributions.

The state has also formally requested the Central government to mint a commemorative coin in Dr. Hazarika’s name.

Other key cabinet decisions

To streamline administrative efficiency and reduce the burden on district headquarters, the Cabinet approved the creation of 10 new co-districts Boko-Chaygaon (Kamrup), Palashbari (Kamrup), Borchola (Sonitpur), Rangapara (Sonitpur), Makum (Tinsukia), Digboi (Tinsukia), Teok (Jorhat), Mariani (Jorhat), Dholai (Cachar)and Dudhnoi (Goalpara).

“These co-districts will improve service delivery and allow Deputy Commissioners to focus on strategic governance tasks,” said the Chief Minister.

The Cabinet also approved an additional Rs 250 crore for the ongoing construction of eight cancer hospitals being developed in partnership with Tata Trusts. The hospitals are coming up in Diphu, Dhubri, Tinsukia, Nalbari, Sivasagar, Golaghat, Nagaon and Goalpara.

These facilities are part of the state’s push to improve access to specialized healthcare, especially in underserved regions.

In a move aimed at revitalizing the dairy industry, the Cabinet approved the handover of milk plants located in Bokakhat, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, and Bajali to the North East Dairy and Food Products Ltd., a joint venture between the Central and state governments. The goal is to enhance production capacity, processing infrastructure, and market linkage for dairy farmers across Assam.