Dispur to preserve residences of Dr Bhupen Hazarika

GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has announced that the State Government is going to preserve the Kolkata and Kuthori (Kaziranga) residences of Dr Bhupen Hazarika. He has also made it known that 300 bighas of land have been acquired by the government for the setting up of Dr Bhupen Hazarika Samadhi Khetra near the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Setu connecting Dhola and Sadiya.

Sonowal made this announcement at the seventh death anniversary function of the maestro at his Somadhi Khetra at Jalukbari in Guwahati on Monday. The function was organized by the Cultural Directorate, Assam.

“Transcending boundaries of countries and regions, Dr Hazarika was able to establish Assamese identity on the global cultural map. It was the dream of Dr Hazarika to build a greater Assamese society based on humanitarian values, and we must strive hard to realize his dreams following his ideals of universal brotherhood,” Sonowal said.

Sonowal also inaugurated the museum containing the memorabilia of Dr. Hazarika named ‘Xunualee Xuworoni’ on the occasion.

Cultural Minister Naba Kumar Doley and others were present on the occasion.

The AASU (All Assam Students’ Union) also paid tribute to Dr. Hazarika at his statues – one at his Somadhi Khetra and the other near Dighalipukhuri.

The students’ body has raised the demand for a cultural train in the name of the maestro, besides renaming Guwahati Railway Station after him. In the evening, the AASU lighted 10,000 candles at Dighalipukhuripar as a mark of respect to the balladeer. All leaders of the AASU were present at the function.