The Dibrugarh Airport in Assam is set to be renamed after the legendary musician and cultural icon Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, following a decision by the state government to honor one of the region’s most celebrated figures.
Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya has summoned a special one-day session of the Assam Legislative Assembly on June 9, 2025, specifically to pass the proposal for renaming the airport after Dr. Hazarika, who was revered as “Sudhakantha” by millions of admirers.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the development, highlighting the state’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the legacy of the multifaceted artist who transcended regional boundaries through his extraordinary contributions to music, literature, and cinema.
Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, often called the “Bard of Brahmaputra,” was posthumously awarded India’s highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna, in 2019. His songs, which addressed themes of humanity, unity, social justice, and the cultural richness of Northeast India, continue to resonate across generations and have become an integral part of not just Assamese identity but Indian cultural heritage.
The decision to rename Dibrugarh Airport holds particular significance as the Assam has deep cultural connections with Dr. Hazarika’s life and work. Dibrugarh, being a major commercial and cultural center in the region, serves as a fitting location to honor the artist whose music reflected the struggles and aspirations of the people of Assam and the broader Northeast.
The airport serves as a crucial transportation hub connecting the Northeast to major cities across India, making it an appropriate venue to showcase the region’s cultural pride to visitors from across the country and abroad. Once renamed, it will join other institutions and infrastructure projects that bear Dr. Hazarika’s name, including the Bhupen Hazarika Setu, India’s longest river bridge connecting Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
The special assembly session, scheduled to begin at 9:30 AM at the Assembly Chamber in Dispur, is expected to receive unanimous support from across the political spectrum. Dr. Hazarika’s universal appeal and respect that transcends party lines reflects the cultural unity he fostered through his artistic contributions.
This initiative represents another step in the ongoing efforts to preserve and promote Dr. Hazarika’s legacy. His work, which often served as a bridge between different cultures and communities, continues to inspire artists and cultural enthusiasts across India and internationally.
