ITANAGAR, June 30: Arunachal Pradesh is preparing a grand tribute to legendary singer, composer, and cultural icon Dr. Bhupen Hazarika as part of his birth centenary celebrations. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein chaired a high-level coordination meeting at the Civil Secretariat in Itanagar on Saturday to oversee preparations for the commemorative events.
Recognised as the “Bard of the Brahmaputra,” Dr. Hazarika shared a deep and historic bond with Arunachal Pradesh and its people. In recognition of this legacy, the state government has announced the establishment of a dedicated museum in Roing, Lower Dibang Valley district, which will chronicle his life, works, and enduring influence on the region’s culture.
A bilingual commemorative book detailing his personal journey and artistic achievements will also be published to mark the occasion. The book will serve as both a scholarly and accessible record of Hazarika’s immense contributions to music, cinema, literature, and social harmony.
“The celebration will be a tribute not just to Dr. Hazarika’s music, but also to the timeless values of inclusivity, cultural pride, and harmony across communities that he championed,” said Deputy CM Mein during the meeting.
The coordination meeting was attended by key stakeholders including Education and Tourism Minister PD Sona; MLAs Mutchu Mithi, Oken Tayeng, and Puinnyo Apum; senior government officials such as Secretary (Planning) RK Sharma and Secretary to the Chief Minister Sadhana Deori; and members of the Bhupen Hazarika Cultural Trust led by Manjula Hazarika. Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society president YD Thongchi was also present.
The centenary events are expected to be a multi-dimensional cultural celebration, bringing together artists, intellectuals, and admirers of Hazarika’s work from across the Northeast and beyond. The state government aims to position the occasion as a platform to reinforce the values that Dr. Hazarika stood for—unity, empathy, and a deep love for the region’s diverse heritage.
