Silchar resonates in harmony as 5,000 voices pay soulful tribute to Bhupen Hazarika

way2barak, November 5: –The Police Parade Ground in Silchar came alive this afternoon as 5,000 voices blended in perfect harmony, singing “Manush Manusher Jonno” in a magnificent tribute to Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, the Bard of the Brahmaputra, on his 14th death anniversary. The grand event, organised by the Cachar District Administration in association with the District Cultural Affairs Department, turned into a moving celebration of unity, compassion, and humanism , the values that Dr. Hazarika so passionately carried through his immortal songs.

The programme was graced by Assam’s Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Mines and Minerals, and Barak Valley Development, Shri Kaushik Rai, as the Chief Guest, along with Lok Sabha MP Shri Parimal Suklabaidya, Rajya Sabha MP Shri Kanad Purkayastha, Silchar MLA Shri Dipayan Chakraborty, Udharbond MLA Shri Mihir Kanti Shome, District Commissioner of Cachar Shri Mridul Yadav, IAS, and several eminent cultural personalities and dignitaries.

As the clock struck three, the vast field reverberated with devotion and nostalgia. From school and college students to tea garden workers, NCC and NSS cadets, ASRLM groups, NGOs, cultural organisations, and government officials , people from every walk of life joined hands and voices to celebrate the life and message of the man who gave music a soul and humanity a song. The emotional chorus of “Manush Manusher Jonno, Jibon Jiboner Jonno” echoed across the grounds, reminding everyone that humanity’s true strength lies in love, compassion, and solidarity.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Kaushik Rai described the day as a “moment of pride and reflection for every Assamese.” He lauded the far-sighted vision of Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, under whose inspiration every district of Assam has been observing Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s death anniversary as a festival of cultural unity. “This initiative is not merely a tribute , it is a reflection of our Chief Minister’s belief that Bhupen Hazarika’s songs are not just melodies; they are the language of Assam’s soul,” the Minister said.

The Minister also praised the Cachar District Administration and its Cultural Affairs team, led by District Commissioner Shri Mridul Yadav, for translating the Chief Minister’s vision into a people’s movement. “By bringing together over five thousand participants from every section of society, Cachar has shown that the spirit of Bhupen Da still flows through our collective consciousness,” he added.

In his address, Rajya Sabha MP Shri Kanad Purkayastha reflected on Dr. Hazarika’s vast legacy, calling him “not merely a musician, but the conscience of a generation.” “Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s songs captured the pulse of humanity , from the cries of the oppressed to the dreams of the common man. His music spoke of rivers, mountains, and love that transcends all barriers,” he said.

Lok Sabha MP Shri Parimal Suklabaidya paid heartfelt homage to the maestro, describing his compositions as “living embodiments of Assam’s cultural soul.” He lauded the government’s commitment to fostering harmony through such inclusive cultural initiatives and urged the youth to carry forward Dr. Hazarika’s message of peace and unity.

Earlier, District Commissioner Shri Mridul Yadav in his welcome address, extended a warm greeting to all guests and participants, describing the programme as a “living expression of unity in diversity.” He elaborated on the meticulous planning that went into making the event a success from departmental coordination and digital governance to security and logistics. “Today, the Cachar District Administration stands united with the people of Barak Valley to honour the legacy of a visionary whose music transcends time, language, and geography,” DC Yadav stated.

The District Commissioner also announced an innovative step toward digital inclusion, under which every participating student and performer would receive a digitally signed participation certificate, downloadable through the district’s official online portal.

Adding to the cultural splendour, sixteen invited artistes who earlier represented Cachar District in the 1,000-voice Grand Chorus during Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s centenary celebrations at Khanapara, Guwahati, performed a stirring medley of his timeless songs, captivating the audience. The evening reached its emotional peak as participants formed a human chain, singing “Manush Manusher Jonno” together , a symbolic gesture of fraternity and hope.

Later, Minister Kaushik Rai presented a commemorative coin of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika to eminent scholars Dr. Amalendu Bhattacharjee and Dr. Pradosh Kiran Nath of Assam University, on behalf of Vice-Chancellor Dr. Rajib Mohan Pant.

The event was also attended by Additional District Commissioner (In-charge Cultural Affairs) Smt. Phyllis Hrangchal, CO-District Commissioner, Dholai, Shri Roktim Baruah, Additional District Commissioner Shri Hemanga Nobis, and Assistant Commissioners Smt. Bonnykha Chetia, Smt. Jonali Devi, Smt. Anjali Kumari, Shri Masi Topno; and Smt. Deepa Das, Branch Officer, Cultural Affairs and In-Charge Deputy Director, Information & Public Relations, Barak Valley Zone, Silchar, among other administrative officials.

Simultaneously, the 14th death anniversary of the music maestro was observed with equal solemnity at the office premises of the CO-District Commissioner, Lakhipur Sub-Division. The event there was graced by CO-District Commissioner Shri Dhrubajyoti Pathak, Chairperson of the Manipuri Development Council, Smt. Reena Singh, and Chairman of the Lakhipur Municipal Board, Shri Mrinal Kanti Das, among others. Students and trained singers rendered “Manush Manusher Jonno” with heartfelt devotion, keeping the spirit of unity alive across geographical boundaries.

Earlier in the morning, the timeless melodies of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika were played through the fixed loudspeaker system of the Regional Office of Information & Public Relations, Barak Valley Zone, Silchar, setting the tone for a day steeped in melody, emotion, and reverence.

This is stated in a press release issued by Regional office of Information & Public Relations Barak valley Zone Silchar Assam.