Bhupen Hazarika: The soul of Assam and pride of the nation

What made him truly exceptional was not just his talent but his vision. His songs were infused with themes of unity, equality, and humanity

- PRITHIRAJ REVA

Dr Bhupen Hazarika was not only a legendary figure in Assam but also one of the most celebrated personalities in India's northeast—and indeed, in the entire country. A true sage, he excelled as a poet, singer, lyricist, composer, director, actor, and cultural ambassador. He was also a visionary who used art as a bridge between communities, languages, and nations. Above all, he was a voice that lived in the hearts of the Assamese people—a voice that spoke of their struggles, dreams, and identities.

Early Life and Cultural Roots: Born on September 8, 1926, in Sadiya, Assam, Bhupen Hazarika grew up in a family deeply connected to education and culture. His father, Nilakantha Hazarika, served in the Assam government's education department, which meant frequent transfers across the state. These constant relocations exposed young Bhupen to the diverse landscapes, languages, and traditions of Assam, shaping his artistic sensibilities from an early age.

When he was about seven years old, his father's posting brought the family to Tezpur, a culturally vibrant town known as the "cultural capital" of Assam. Tezpur at that time was buzzing with theatre groups, literary gatherings, musical performances, and social reform movements. The city was home to some of Assam's most prominent cultural personalities, and it was here that Bhupen's destiny began to take shape.

Meeting the Icons of Assam: In Tezpur, Bhupen encountered towering figures who would profoundly influence his life. One of them was Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rava, a renowned artist, social reformer, freedom fighter, and sportsman; another was Rupkowar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, the pioneer of Assamese cinema and creator of the first Assamese film, Joymoti (1935).