File picture of Dipak Sarma (right) performing with Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia

Guwahati, Oct. 6: Flautist Dipak Sarma will spend the next few months putting together a New Year gift for Bhupen Hazarika — a bunch of the maestro’s best tribal songs set to music on the flute.

“Bhupenda sang some of the beautiful songs for tribes like Khasi, Naga, Dimasa and even Nepali, which brought the people of the region closer to each other. With an eye on harmony, I will try to enliven the songs on my flute. The songs will include Manuhe Manuhar Babe, Shillongore Gadhuli, Bajali Je Pepati and Gurkhali Gabharujani,” said Sarma, who is a disciple of Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia.

Music lovers say there is so much of similarity between Sarma’s style and that of his guru that one only has to close one’s eyes and listen.

Sarma, in fact, was selected by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations to take part in the closing ceremony to mark 50 years of India’s Independence in South Africa, Seychelles, Mauritius and Reunion Island, where he gave sterling solo recitals in August, 1998.

“Bhupenda’s songs are full of messages of unity and universal brotherhood. Playing good flute music can touch everyone’s heart and soul irrespective of caste, creed and religion. I will consider it my great fortune if I can create an atmosphere of unity by playing the flute with Bhupenda’s songs. I am looking for help from my guru Chaurasiaji to help me in my venture. The project is expected to be completed by the end of this year and I am excited to make it my New Year’s gift for a living legend like Bhupen Hazarika. I pray that my endeavour touches Bhupenda’s heart,” the musician said.

Sarma said flute made with bamboo that grows in the Northeast is considered to be the best in the world and he is trying to popularise it. “I have formed an orchestra group with 60 artistes of flute and other traditional instruments to create a musical fusion. The group will play and popularise folk music of the region with a modern touch. Folk music has all the qualities of global music, and I have plans to promote it so that young people can relate to it,” he said.