PM Modi hailed the Northeast’s role in India’s freedom struggle while recalling Bhupen Hazarika’s wartime songs that inspired courage during the 1962 war. Modi announced a museum and projects to honor Hazarika’s centenary and preserve his enduring legacy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid glowing tributes to legendary singer, composer, and cultural icon Bhupen Hazarika, while highlighting the Northeast’s pivotal contribution to India’s freedom struggle and national spirit. Speaking during the centenary celebrations of the maestro, the Prime Minister said Hazarika’s legacy transcends music and continues to serve as a source of courage and inspiration for generations.
Recalling the 1962 war with China, PM Modi said Bhupen Hazarika’s patriotic songs played a decisive role in uplifting the morale of soldiers and civilians alike during one of the most testing times for the nation. “Those songs infused courage and energy into the nation, and that spirit is alive even today,” the Prime Minister remarked, emphasizing the timeless quality of Hazarika’s work that blends art with nationalism.
Bhupen Hazarika’s Musical Nationalism
Known as the “Bard of the Brahmaputra,” Bhupen Hazarika’s contribution to music, poetry, and cinema extended far beyond entertainment. His wartime compositions resonated deeply with the collective emotions of the people, becoming rallying cries of unity and resilience during the 1962 conflict. PM Modi underscored how the singer’s voice not only carried melodies but also carried the weight of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism.
“Bhupen da’s music was more than rhythm and words—it was a call to action, a reminder of duty, and a source of energy for the nation,” Modi said, linking Hazarika’s artistic mission to the broader ethos of India’s freedom fighters.
Museum and Commemorative Projects
Marking the centenary year of Bhupen Hazarika’s birth, the Prime Minister announced that the government will complete a dedicated museum within a year to honor his life and vision. The museum, he said, will be a center for research, preservation, and promotion of Hazarika’s multifaceted work.
In addition to the museum, other commemorative projects are planned to ensure future generations remain connected to the values he championed through his art—unity, inclusivity, and unwavering love for the motherland.
Northeast’s Role in National Identity
PM Modi used the occasion to underline the cultural and patriotic contributions of the Northeast to India’s identity. He noted that Assam and the broader Northeast have always played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s ethos, combining rich cultural heritage with a resilient spirit of nationalism.
“Assam’s cultural heritage and patriotic spirit are inseparable from India’s identity,” he declared, stressing that the Northeast must be recognized not just for its natural beauty but also for its sacrifices and contributions to national unity.
The Prime Minister also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting India’s sovereignty and strength. “New India will never spare its enemies,” Modi asserted, linking the spirit of past sacrifices with the determination of today’s nation to safeguard its dignity and security.
Legacy That Lives On
Bhupen Hazarika remains a towering figure whose music continues to inspire millions across India and beyond. His songs of hope, brotherhood, and courage still resonate, reminding citizens of their collective responsibility towards the nation. The government’s initiatives to institutionalize his legacy through museums and cultural projects signal a renewed recognition of the enduring power of his art.
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The centenary celebrations thus serve not only as a remembrance of one individual but also as a reflection of how the cultural and patriotic traditions of the Northeast have enriched India’s national fabric. As PM Modi pointed out, the spirit evoked by Hazarika’s songs during the 1962 war still burns bright, guiding a New India that stands confident, united, and resolute.
