Manoranjan Goswami pins the lapel of the honorary Rotarianship on Bhupen Hazarika. Picture by UB Photos

Dec. 14: Legendary singer Bhupen Hazarika’s ties with the city were strengthened when he was conferred honorary membership by the Rotary Club of Gauhati South at a meeting of the club held at Pensioners’ Bhawan recently.

The meeting was chaired by Rotarian Col (retd) Manoranjan Goswami, president, Rotary Club of Gauhati South.

Hazarika and noted film director Kalpana Lajmi were felicitated by Rotarian Suprabha Goswami and Chandana Choudhury Baruah respectively.

“We feel honoured to have such distinguished personalities among us. Their contribution in the art world is commendable and we are expecting some more wonderful performances from them,” said Goswami.

Conferring the honorary membership, the club president pinned the Rotary lapel on Hazarika. Deva Kanta Kakati, charter member of the club, presented him a memento, while the Rotary folder was handed over by Dilip Sarkar, secretary of the club.

Accepting the honorary membership, Hazarika termed Rotary as an instrument of social change.

He fondly recalled his acquaintance with Rotary in his maiden visit to the US. While studying in Columbia University, his visit to his dreamland Hollywood on the West Coast was sponsored by the local Rotary Club.

“Such organisations are required to look after the community concerns of the people. They can play a responsible role in changing society,” said the singer.

“Folk tunes are instruments of social change. I have used them to usher in change and social integration over the past 50 years. Change will definitely come but it should not be at the cost of our roots. I have composed and set tune to songs on the basis of my varied experiences,” Hazarika added.

He lamented the lack of sentiments in today’s society. Humming his evergreen number, Manuhe Manuhor Babe Jodihe Akonu Nabhabe .…., he said, “We cannot progress if we do not follow the basic rules of humanity.” Hazarika thanked the club for making him an honorary Rotarian and promised help in any community project undertaken by the club in the near future.

Lajmi presented the Rotary vocational award to Anjela Warji, retired assistant matron of a Shillong hospital.

Addressing the gathering, Lajmi exhorted the Rotarians to check erosion of values.

“We need to break the apathy of the citizens in all spheres of life. People should strive to make Guwahati a cleaner and better city. We should all imbibe the positive values of life and take care to ensure that our society does not disintegrate,” said Lajmi.