Artistes perform during the memorial programme at ITA, Machkhowa on Monday. Picture by UB Photos

July 16: Bohemian singer Bhupen Hazarika travelled from place to place and made friends but Bharalumukh, where his mother was from, was special.        

Hazarika lived in Bharalumukh for quite some time, learnt music, studied at Bharalumukh Higher Secondary School and was closely associated with the residents of the area, who, this evening gathered to remember the singer at the ITA Cultural Complex at Machkhowa with music and dance.

Eighteen groups from different parts of the district and of different age groups participated in a chorus competition. Participants sang Hazarika’s songs and there was a dance drama to entertain the audience.

The programme, Xugandhi Xudhakantha Xuworani Xandhiya, was organised by Bharalumukh Young Staff, a social organisation comprising youths of Bharalumukh.

“He had a special attachment to Bharalumukh. He developed a close relationship with the people of this area. So, on every Bihu stage he could not but mention Bharalumukh,” said Hirambeswar Kataki, president of the organising committee.

“We are organising the programme to remember him and his creation and let the young generation know him better. This is the first step and we will continue it,” said Kataki.

BJP leader Bijoya Chakraborty, singer Sudakshina Sarma, Balen Hazarika, Samar Hazarika, social worker Ashokananda Singhal and music director Ramen Barua and others attended the programme.

Bijoya Chakraborty said the people should appeal to the state government to institute an award in the name of Bhupen Hazarika. “People should urge the state government to institute an award in Hazarika’s name.”

Sudakshina Sarma was nostalgic about her brother (Bhupen Hazarika). “He was a simple man. Our father was a very honest man. We got such a good environment to grow up,” she said. She urged the people to keep Hazarika’s songs alive. Sudakshina said the way people honoured Hazarika in his lifetime and after death proved that he belonged to the people of Assam.

Class V student of Maria Public School, Gargi Rajbongshi, was excited. Before the programme started, Gargi said she had learnt one of Hazarika’s songs by heart, which would be sung in the programme. “I will sing the song Jilikabo Luitore Par in the programme,” Gargi, too young to know the meaning of the song, said with a smile on her face.

Dipanjali, Jayshree and Arupjyoti of Edil Nursery School also came along with their parents to take part in a dance drama highlighting Hazarika’s life.

“For several days we have been learning about it. Today we will perform it,” Arupjyoti said before the show.