Kolkata, September 8, 2025: For Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, Kolkata was never just a city—it was his creative sanctuary, his second home, and the stage from which his voice carried Assam’s soul to the world. His journey with Bengal began in 1956, when he chose Tollygunge as his base.
For nearly four decades, his home became a cultural confluence where legends met, art thrived, and melodies transcended borders. Today, that historic residence, now owned by the Assam government, is set to be restored as a cultural center—an enduring testament to his legacy of unity.
That legacy came alive once again on September 8th at the Indian Museum, Kolkata, where Byatikram, in collaboration with the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Government of Assam and Indian Museum, Kolkata hosted a grand centenary tribute to the Bard of Brahmaputra.
The evening unfolded with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and heartfelt floral tributes before Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s portrait. Moments later, the museum resonated with the timeless chorus ‘Manuhor Manuhor Babe’ sung by young students—a hauntingly beautiful rendition that seemed to bridge generations and set a soulful prelude to the night’s celebration
The event was inaugurated by Padma Shri Baul Samrat Purna Das, who, at 93, spoke with moving simplicity: “Maybe after seven years, I will be able to meet Bhupen Hazarika somewhere, someday. As a Baul, I represent unity and brotherhood—and Bhupen Da carried that same spirit. Because of him, we are all here today, united in music and humanity.”
Among the distinguished guests present were Snehasish Sur, President, Kolkata Press Club, Dolly Ghosh, Eminent Singer, Rajib Das from Dohar Band, Dr. Reema Das Mallik, Founder of Illumis Clinic, Swapnanil Barua, Rtd IAS officer, Govt of Assam, Prasad Ranjan Das, Engineer, Sampa Das, a renowned Fashion Designer, Anup Bhakta, CAO, JMB Healthcare, Gautam Bhattacharjee, Banker, Razvee Hussain, Rtd ACS Officer, Rina Mitra, HOD, Centre of Creative & Performing Arts, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Dibyendu Das Baul, Eminent Baul Artist, Nishit Boron Singha Roy, Writer and Author and Dr. Saumen Bharatiya, President of Byatikram and Lions Club of Guwahati Byatikram, among others
Dr. Swapnil Barua reflected on Hazarika’s bond with the city: “Kolkata gave Bhupen Hazarika immense love. It was here that he grew into a cultural leader. So deep was the affection that no artist tonight took any fee—each performance was a true offering of the heart.”
Snehasish Sur highlighted saying : “Many of us first learned of ‘Mass Communication’ only after Bhupen Hazarika earned his doctorate in it. He was not only a pioneer in music but also in thought and scholarship.”
The audience was swept into a journey of nostalgia as legendary artists—Srikanta Acharya, Lopamudra Mitra, Chandrima Bhattacharjee, Dohar band, Anubhuti Kakoti Goswami, Jayati Bhattacharjee, Kashmiri Kataki Mallick, Mithun Dhar, Musafir band, Srijita Mitra Bhattacharjee, Dolly Ghosh and Sharbani Bhattacharjee, among others —took the stage with stirring renditions of Hazarika’s timeless works.
Lopamudra Mitra, while performing the timeless “Bistirno Dupare”, expressed with emotion, “Today, singing Bhupen Da’s songs felt like being at home.”
Srikanta Acharya’s soulful renditions carried the audience into the vastness of Hazarika’s legacy, reminding everyone of the universal embrace his music continues to hold.
Adding to the chorus of remembrance, the celebrated band Dohar expressed, “For us, Bhupen Da’s songs are not just melodies, they are living folk epics that connect generations. To sing them is to walk with him, even today.”
The evening culminated in a spellbinding 100-member chorus by students of NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata, whose youthful voices echoed with harmony, leaving the audience in awe. One elderly attendee, with tears in his eyes, whispered: “In Bhupen Da’s voice, I still hear the Brahmaputra meeting the Hooghly. He belongs equally to Assam and Bengal.”
The celebration also witnessed the conferment of the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Byatikram International Award 2025 upon eminent singer Haimanti Shukla. Though unable to attend in person, she conveyed her heartfelt gratitude.
Byatikram’s special recognition, dedicated to the legacy of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, was conferred to Mr. Gour Pal and Mr. Saroj Barua, distinguished musicians who had the privilege of performing with the legendary singer followed by a few more recognition to Ashok Chakraborty, Dr. Junmoni Devi Khaund, Soheli Seal Sarkar, Seema Sharma, Shyamashree Das Gupta and Sheila Daryani.
Dr. Saumen Bharatiya, President of Byatikram, summed up the spirit of the evening: “Bhupen Hazarika’s songs and films carried the message of harmony and brotherhood. Tonight was not merely a centenary celebration but a continuation of his dream—to strengthen the cultural bridge between Assam and Bengal.”
For over 13 years, Byatikram has worked to uphold and spread Dr. Hazarika’s vision across India and beyond. But this centenary evening in Kolkata was different. It felt like Bhupen Da had returned home—through every note, every memory, every tear and smile.
As the night drew to a close, one truth lingered in every heart: Bhupen Hazarika has never left us. His centenary was not a remembrance—it was a resurrection. His music still speaks. His message still heals. His legacy continues to guide.
