Guwahati, Sep 8 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said that the state government is taking steps to preserve the Kolkata residence of legendary musician and cultural icon Bhupen Hazarika in Tollygunge as part of efforts to safeguard his creative legacy.
Sarma said a significant chapter of Hazarika’s life was shaped in Kolkata and stressed the importance of preserving the residence as the country observes the centenary of the iconic artist’s birth.
“A part of Bhupen Da’s life was shaped in Kolkata, and we cannot let that chapter fade away,” Sarma said in a post on X. He added that as Assam celebrates Hazarika’s birth centenary, the state government is taking steps to preserve his residence in Tollygunge and protect what he described as a precious part of the musician’s creative legacy.
Hazarika, popularly known as Bhupen Da, remains one of Assam’s most celebrated cultural figures and is widely recognised for his contribution to Indian music, cinema and literature. His songs and compositions reflected themes of humanity, social justice, harmony and the lives of ordinary people.
The musician spent significant periods of his life in Kolkata, where he worked in the Bengali film and music industry and developed close associations with several leading cultural personalities. His connection with Kolkata has been an important part of his artistic journey, making the preservation of his former residence significant for admirers of his work in Assam, West Bengal and beyond.
The Assam government’s move comes as preparations and commemorative activities gain significance around Hazarika’s birth centenary. The initiative is aimed at ensuring that locations associated with the legendary musician’s life and work are preserved for future generations.
Hazarika was born on September 8, 1926, in Sadiya, Assam. Over a career spanning several decades, he emerged as one of the most influential voices from the Northeast and played a major role in taking Assamese music and culture to a wider national and international audience. He was conferred the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, posthumously in 2019.
Sarma’s announcement highlights the Assam government’s broader efforts to honour Hazarika’s enduring contribution to the cultural identity of Assam and India.
The preservation of the Tollygunge residence is expected to provide admirers and future generations an opportunity to connect with an important chapter of the musician’s life and artistic journey.
–IANS
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