Tez Hazarika, along with his family, releases an audio CD of poems by Amarjyoti Chaudhury at Dighalipukhuri on Sunday

Nov. 20: A poem, which had left a deep impression on the people of the state after Bhupen Hazarika passed away, was ceremoniously released today as the author placed a copy of the CD at the feet of the bard’s statue at Dighalipukhuri here.

Choudhury, pro vice-chancellor of Tezpur University, has recited the poems himself in his rich baritone.

One of them, Mrityur jinar gaan, became extremely popular when television channels repeatedly played the recitations after Hazarika’s death.

The other poem is Pratijan manuhor gaan.

Bhupen Hazarika’s sister Rose Baruah breaks down during a cultural programme at Jalukbari on Sunday

Bhitali Das and Sada Nanda Gogoi perform at the cultural programme in Jalukbari on Sunday. Pictures by UB Photos

Present at the release were family members of Hazarika. The album will be available in the market from tomorrow.

“The album, Mrityur Jinar Gaan, is my tribute to the great singer who will continue to live through his immortal works. I had composed the poem Eta xurjya asil xridoy aabori to pay my homage to Jayanta Hazarika when he passed away in 1977. When Hazarika heard me reciting it, he came to me and said he wants me to compose a verse in his memory when he passed away. I am happy I could fulfil his wish,” said Choudhury.

“Through the verse Mrityur jinar gaan, I have tried to capture the reactions of the masses after hearing of the death of the great singer. The way people reacted, standing in long queues for hours just to get his last glimpse, was overwhelming. This proved beyond doubt that he will always live in every man’s heart. In the second poem, Pratijan manuhe gaan, I have tried to portray his philosophy of life,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Hazarika’s son Tez said, “I am very grateful to receive a copy of this album of poems that Amarjyoti Choudhury has composed in the loving memory of my father. I will take this album with me to my home in New York. I will try to promote the immortal and beautiful songs sung by my father among the people there. His works are universal and cannot be confined to a particular place.”

“I have grown up hearing his songs. My earliest memory of Hazarika was when I saw him from a distance, sitting on the riverbank in Uzan Bazar, watching the Brahmaputra. The river was a tremendous source of inspiration for him and it featured in a number of his wonderful compositions,” Choudhury said.

“Choudhury Sir has very beautifully brought out different facets of Bhupen Hazarika’s philosophies through his poems.

The All Assam Students’ Union will also try to create an atmosphere where students can learn Bhupenda’s songs,” said union adviser Samujjal Bhattacharyya.