Guwahati: Bhupen Hazarika’s music still carries Assam’s history, conflicts and hopes across generations.As Assam marked his birth centenary, his associates and language experts recalled his contributions to music, journalism, language, culture and social consciousness.Hazarika wrote “Manuhe Manuhor Babe, Jadihe Akanu Nebhabe” during Assam’s language movement in the 1960s. Kamal Kataki, who accompanied him on guitar from 1984 until he died in 2011, said the song promoted peace, harmony and empathy amid escalating tensions.Hazarika joined Hemanga Biswas, Khagen Mahanta and Dipali Borthakur in travelling across Assam to spread a message of brotherhood through music.Following unrest between Assamese- and Bengali-speaking communities over Assam Official Language Act, Hazarika undertook a cultural peace mission. At then-chief minister Bimala Prasad Chaliha’s request, he also performed the song in Nagamese at rebel camps, an effort Kataki said helped reduce violence. The song was later translated into several Indian and regional languages and became popular in Bangladesh.Hazarika also engaged with contemporary events through journalism. As editor of Assamese magazine Amar Pratinidhi, he wrote the column “Bidai Shillong” in Feb 1973 after reading a Times of India report on Assam’s decision to shift its capital from Shillong to Dispur. The article anticipated administrative and social challenges arising from the relocation.Language expert Sumanta Chaliha said Hazarika’s writings reflected his understanding of social affairs, the 1962 India-China war and floods. His study of Assamese history, traditions, geography and cultural diversity also enriched his compositions.Chaliha said nearly 345 compositions were categorised as Bhupendra Sangeet. Works such as “Koto Jowanor Mrityu Hol” and “Modarore Ful” demonstrated Hazarika’s sophisticated use of Assamese.Hazarika also connected Assamese music with wider Indian traditions. Asha Bhosle made her Assamese debut with “Pokhiraj Ghora” in his 1969 film Sikmik Bijuli. She later sang “Ei Dhunia Godhuli Logon” and “O Abhimani Bandhu” in Mon Prajapati.
