Guwahati: Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal paid rich tributes to Bhupen Hazarika on the singer's 92nd birth anniversary here on Saturday and urged the people of the state to join hands to keep his memory and ideals alive for the new generations.

The chief minister was speaking at the maestro's memorial at Jalukbari, where he attended the smriti torpon programme organised by the cultural affairs department.

Hazarika had passed away in Mumbai on November 5, 2011. Highlighting Hazarika's indomitable spirit and remarkable efforts to uphold humanitarian values, Sonowal said, "Bhupen Hazarika was an artist of many hues whose creative works transcended borders, language and culture. He strived to uphold humanitarian values through his immortal creations which would continue to inspire generations to come. Now responsibility is upon us to preserve his legacy and bequeath the same to the new generation to develop them as good human beings."

Saying that Hazarika used the creative medium to reinforce unity and harmony among the states tribes and communities, Sonowal impressed upon resolute steps by people of the state to carry the bard's positive legacy forward. "We must earnestly follow Hazarika's guidance in building a robust future for the state," he said.

Sonowal said Dispur has decided to set up a Samannay Kshetra in the name of the singer near Dhola Sadia bridge to reflect the unique yet closely connected cultures, traditions and lifestyle of all the tribes and communities of the Northeast.

Minister of state (independent charge) for cultural affairs Naba Kumar Doley and media adviser to chief minister Hrishikesh Goswami also spoke on the occasion.

Doley underlined the need to translate the works of the singer into English and other Indian languages in a bid to promote his values among a wider section of society.

Coinciding with the celebrations, an art competition, titled Tulikat Bhupen Mama, was organised by MyGov Assam in association with the cultural affairs department.