Assam is gearing up to celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of the legendary music maestro Bhupen Hazarika, fondly known as Sudhakantha, with a series of grand events under the banner #BhupenDaAt100. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that a magnificent statue of Hazarika will soon be unveiled in North Lakhimpur, symbolizing the state’s deep admiration for the cultural icon whose influence has transcended borders and generations.
Born on September 8, 1926, in Sadiya, Assam, Bhupen Hazarika was a multifaceted genius — a singer, composer, lyricist, poet, filmmaker, and social activist. His profound songs, which often revolved around themes of humanity, justice, and unity, have left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide. Fluent in multiple languages, Hazarika played a pivotal role in bringing Assamese music to national and international prominence.
Throughout his illustrious career, Hazarika received numerous accolades, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1992, the Padma Bhushan in 2001, and posthumously, the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, in 2019. His timeless compositions such as “Manuhe Manuhor Babe” and “Ganga Amar Ma” continue to inspire and resonate with people across generations.
The upcoming statue in North Lakhimpur is part of a broader initiative to honor Hazarika’s legacy. Chief Minister Sarma shared on social media, “Bhupen Da was celebrated by people across the world, and as we gear up to celebrate #BhupenDaAt100, we have lined up a host of programmes to honour the Sudhakantha.” The statue, depicting Hazarika in a moment of artistic expression, will serve as a beacon of cultural pride and human values.
Bhupen Da was celebrated by people across the world and as we gear up to celebrate #BhupenDaAt100, we have lined up a host of programmes to honour the Sudhakantha.
Soon, we will dedicate a beautiful statue of the legend in North Lakhimpur. pic.twitter.com/QIaIvh964q
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 20, 2025
The centenary celebrations, set to commence, will include various events that highlight Hazarika’s contributions to music, film, and social activism. His passing on November 5, 2011, in Mumbai, marked the end of an era, but his legacy lives on through his work and the enduring impact he has had on Assamese and Indian culture.
As Assam and the nation prepare to commemorate his 100th birth anniversary, the statue in North Lakhimpur will stand as a lasting tribute to Bhupen Hazarika’s artistic brilliance and his role as a cultural ambassador. The celebrations aim to ensure that his messages of unity and humanity continue to inspire future generations.