Bhupen Hazarika: The Bard of Brahmaputra – A Centenary Tribute to a Universal Voice
Siddharth Roy
Madhabdevpur Path, Rehabari
As the gentle currents of the Brahmaputra continue their timeless flow, Assam, India, and indeed the world, prepare to mark a momentous occasion: the centenary year of the legendary Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. Born on September 8, 1926, this towering figure transcended the roles of singer, lyricist, composer, filmmaker, poet, and journalist to become a cultural ambassador who connected Assam to the global stage and gave voice to the marginalized across humanity. His enduring legacy, steeped in the rich soil of Assamese culture yet resonating with universal themes of humanity, love, conflict, and peace, continues to inspire generations.
The Early Years and Formative Influences
Bhupen Hazarika’s journey began in Sadiya, Assam, a place steeped in natural beauty and cultural richness. From an early age, his prodigious talent was evident. His mother, an ardent admirer of folk music, introduced him to the traditional melodies and oral narratives of Assam, which profoundly shaped his artistic sensibilities. By the age of 10, he was already performing, enchanting audiences with his melodious voice. His encounter with the renowned Assamese cultural icon, Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, and composer Bishnu Prasad Rabha, at a young age, proved to be pivotal. These mentors recognized his extraordinary potential and encouraged him to pursue music, providing him with a strong foundation in Assamese artistic traditions.
Hazarika’s academic pursuits were equally impressive. He completed his Intermediate Arts from Cotton College, Guwahati, and then moved to Banaras Hindu University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1944 and a Master of Arts in Political Science in 1946. It was during his time in Varanasi that he was exposed to a wider spectrum of Indian classical music and literature, further broadening his artistic horizons.
The most significant intellectual phase of his life arguably came when he received a scholarship to study at Columbia University in New York City in 1949. There, he earned a Ph.D. in Mass Communication, with his dissertation focusing on the “Proposals for Preparing India’s Basic Education to Use Cinema as an Aid to Village Level Workers.” His time in America was transformative. He was exposed to African-American folk music, particularly the works of Paul Robeson, whose powerful narratives of struggle and resilience deeply resonated with Hazarika’s own burgeoning commitment to social justice. This period cemented his belief in the power of art to bring about social change and gave his music a universal humanistic perspective.
The Bard of Brahmaputra: Contribution to Assamese Culture
Bhupen Hazarika’s contributions to Assamese culture are immeasurable. He revolutionized Assamese music, elevating it from regional confines to national, and even international, prominence.
Hazarika penned and composed over 1,500 songs, many of which have become immortal anthems of Assam. His lyrics, often poetic and philosophical, explored themes ranging from the serene beauty of the Brahmaputra to the struggles of common people, historical narratives, and the universal human condition. Songs like “Manuhe Manuhor Babe” (For Humanity), “Ganga Mor Maa” (Ganga My Mother), “Bistirno Parore” (O! The Wide Expanse), and “Luitor Pora” (From the Luit) are not merely songs but emotional chronicles of Assamese life and identity. He skilfully blended traditional Assamese folk elements with Western influences, creating a unique sound that was both rooted and contemporary.
Hazarika was a pioneer in Assamese cinema. He directed, composed music for, and often acted in numerous films, including classics like “Era Bator Sur” (1956), “Pratidhwani” (1964), and “Shakuntala” (1961). His films were not just entertainment; they were often powerful social commentaries, addressing issues like rural poverty, exploitation, and social injustice. He used the medium to tell authentic Assamese stories, bringing local narratives to a wider audience.
Beyond music and film, Hazarika was a prolific writer and journalist. He edited several magazines, including Amar Pratinidhi, and contributed numerous articles and essays. His writings reflected his keen observations of society, politics, and culture, always advocating for human dignity and social harmony.
Despite his global outlook, Hazarika remained deeply committed to preserving and promoting Assamese folk traditions. He infused his modern compositions with elements of Bihu, Goalparia folk, and other indigenous musical forms, ensuring their relevance for future generations. He understood that cultural identity was crucial for a community’s soul.
A Voice for India: Contributions to National Culture
Bhupen Hazarika’s influence extended far beyond Assam’s borders, making him a true national icon.
He played a crucial role in integrating the diverse cultures of India. His music celebrated the unity in diversity of the nation, often using Hindi and Bengali to reach a wider audience. His soulful renditions of songs about the Ganga, his tributes to various Indian states, and his adaptations of folk tales from different regions fostered a sense of national cohesion.
Hazarika’s genius was recognized in Bollywood, where he composed music for acclaimed films like “Rudali” (1993), “Darmiyaan” (1997), and “Gajagamini” (2000). His compositions for these films, often characterized by their haunting melodies and profound lyrics, earned him national awards and introduced his unique musical style to millions across India. His collaborations with directors like Kalpana Lajmi brought his music to a mainstream audience, cementing his place in Indian cinematic history.
Throughout his career, Hazarika was an unwavering voice for human rights, social justice, and peace. His songs often critiqued social ills, oppression, and conflict. He was an advocate for the marginalized, and his music served as an anthem for various social movements. His ability to articulate the pain and aspirations of the common person transcended linguistic barriers, making him a truly national conscience.
His immense contributions were recognized with numerous national awards. He received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1979), the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (1992), India’s highest honor in cinema, and the Padma Vibhushan (2012), India’s second-highest civilian award, posthumously. In 2019, he was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, solidifying his status as one of the nation’s greatest cultural treasures.
A Universal Message: Beyond Borders
Bhupen Hazarika’s appeal was not confined to India. His experiences in the United States and his deep understanding of global socio-political issues imbued his work with a universal resonance.
His songs often spoke of a universal brotherhood, transcending race, religion, and nationality. Themes of shared humanity, peace, and the interconnectedness of all people were recurrent in his work. He believed in the power of art to bridge divides and foster understanding among diverse cultures. The influence of African-American singer and activist Paul Robeson was particularly profound. Hazarika adapted Robeson’s “Ol’ Man River” into Assamese as “Bistirno Parore,” beautifully translating the themes of relentless struggle and enduring hope to the context of the Brahmaputra and its people. This cross-cultural adaptation exemplified his ability to find universal echoes in specific narratives. He performed extensively across the globe, sharing the rich cultural heritage of Assam and India with international audiences. His mesmerizing voice and profound lyrics captivated listeners from all walks of life, making him a true cultural ambassador.
The Enduring Legacy
Dr. Bhupen Hazarika passed away on November 5, 2011, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy. His songs continue to be sung, his films watched, and his words quoted, remaining as relevant today as they were decades ago. He built bridges – between people, cultures, and generations – through the sheer power of his art.
As we commemorate his centenary year, it is a time not just for remembrance, but for reflection on the profound messages he left us. In a world often fractured by conflict and division, Hazarika’s unwavering call for humanity, peace, and cultural understanding resonates more strongly than ever. He taught us that the mighty Brahmaputra, like all great rivers, carries not just water, but stories, dreams, and the timeless spirit of its people. Bhupen Hazarika was, and remains, the voice of that spirit—a true bard whose melody will forever echo across the wide expanse of humanity. His life and work are a testament to the fact that art, when rooted in truth and empathy, can truly change the world.