Guwahati, September 8, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Assam government is taking steps to preserve the Kolkata residence of legendary musician and cultural icon Bhupen Hazarika in Tollygunge, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Tuesday.
Sarma said Kolkata played a significant role in Hazarika’s life and artistic journey, making the preservation of his former residence particularly important as the country marks the centenary of the iconic musician’s birth.
“A part of Bhupen Da’s life was shaped in Kolkata, and we cannot let that chapter fade away,” Sarma said in a post on X.
He said that as Assam celebrates Hazarika’s birth centenary, the state government was taking steps to preserve his Tollygunge residence and safeguard what he described as a precious part of the musician’s creative legacy.
Popularly known as Bhupen Da, Hazarika remains one of Assam’s most celebrated cultural figures and is widely recognised for his contributions to Indian music, cinema and literature. His songs and compositions often reflected themes of humanity, social justice, harmony and the lives of ordinary people.
Hazarika spent significant periods of his life in Kolkata, where he worked in the Bengali film and music industry and developed close associations with several prominent cultural personalities. His deep connection with the city became an important part of his artistic journey.
The Assam government’s initiative comes amid commemorative programmes and preparations surrounding Hazarika’s birth centenary. The move is aimed at preserving places associated with his life and work and ensuring that future generations can connect with his artistic legacy.
Hazarika was born on September 8, 1926, in Sadiya, Assam. During a career spanning several decades, he emerged as one of the most influential cultural voices from the Northeast and played a major role in taking Assamese music and culture to audiences across India and abroad.
He was posthumously conferred the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 2019.
Sarma’s announcement underlines the Assam government’s efforts to honour Hazarika’s enduring contribution to the cultural identity of Assam and India. The preservation of his Tollygunge residence is expected to help admirers and future generations connect with an important chapter of his life and creative journey.
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