Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tribute to Bhupen Hazarika, fondly known as Bhupen Da, on his birth centenary is a deeply evocative homage to one of India’s most iconic cultural figures. Modi’s words paint a portrait of a man whose voice was not just musical—it was philosophical, political, and profoundly human.
ЁЯЧгя╕П “From Assam, his voice flowed like a timeless river…” Modi described Bhupen Da’s music as a river that crossed borders and cultures, carrying with it the spirit of humanity.
ЁЯО╢ More than melody—he was the heartbeat of the people Modi emphasized that Hazarika’s songs were not just artistic expressions but movements that resonated with themes of kindness, social justice, unity, and deep-rooted belonging.
ЁЯУЪ A lifelong learner and cultural bridge Bhupen Da’s intellectual journey took him from Cotton College to Banaras Hindu University, and then to the United States, where he met civil rights icon Paul Robeson. Robeson’s “Ol’ Man River” inspired Hazarika’s legendary Assamese song “Bistirno Parore”, which became a metaphor for resilience and equality.
ЁЯОе A master of many mediums Modi noted that Hazarika worked across radio, theatre, films, and documentaries, always using his art to empower and uplift. He supported young talent and gave voice to the marginalized.
ЁЯМН Global recognition, rooted identity Despite his global travels, Bhupen Da remained deeply connected to Assam’s indigenous traditions, oral storytelling, and folk melodies. Modi credited him with making Assam visible and audible to the rest of India, shaping its modern cultural identity.
ЁЯХКя╕П Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat Modi concluded that Bhupen Da’s life embodied the spirit of a united India—his works transcended linguistic and regional boundaries to unite people across the country
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