Dibrugarh: A century after Bhupen Hazarika’s birth, his songs swept through Sadiya, his immortal melodies resonating with the communities.Hazarika, known as the “Bard of the Brahmaputra”, was born in Sadiya on Sept 8, 1926. Admirers and organisations marked his centenary on Tuesday with music, cultural programmes and discussions on his artistic journey and messages of humanity, equality and social harmony.Sadiya co-DC Sindhu N Raghavan paid tribute at a programme at his office.The Sadiya Sahitya Sabha, Sadiya Silpi Samaj and the All Assam Students’ Union’s Sadiya unit also paid homage. Sabha president Gopinath Burhagohain said Hazarika’s songs about love, equality, social justice and ordinary people would continue to inspire generations.At Rukmini Udyan, the Sadiya Silpi Samaj’s programme opened with a collective rendition of ‘Manuhe Manuhor Babe’, followed by ‘Bistirna Parare’ and ‘Moi Eti Jajabor’. Poetry recitations, performances and discussions explored Hazarika’s connection with the Brahmaputra and themes of humanity and social justice.The All Assam Scheduled Caste Association held a day-long programme at Haripur village playground, featuring a procession and cultural activities involving different ethnic communities.“We are proud that a person of Bhupen Hazarika’s stature had his roots in Sadiya. Though he is no more, Bhupenda continues to reign in our hearts through his immortal compositions. The void he left behind can never be filled,” resident Dimbeswar Gogoi said.The 9.15-km Dhola-Sadiya Bridge bears Hazarika’s name in honour of the cultural icon.
