Inaugural Ceremony of the Year-long Birth Centenary Celebration of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika
Organized by Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University
Date: 8th September 2025
Venue: Auditorium, KKHSOU City Campus, Resham Nagar, Khanapara, Guwahati
The Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU) inaugurated the Year-long Birth Centenary Celebration of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, the internationally acclaimed artist, cultural icon, and Bharat Ratna awardee, with a solemn and vibrant ceremony held at the University’s City Campus Auditorium, Khanapara, Guwahati, on 8th September 2025. The programme witnessed the gracious presence of invited dignitaries, faculty members, staff, and learners, all gathered to honour the legendary figure whose contributions transcend borders and generations.
The ceremony commenced with a floral tribute to Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, paying homage to his immortal legacy. This was followed by the felicitation of distinguished guests, setting the tone for the occasion.
In his welcome address, Professor Rajendra Prasad Das, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of KKHSOU, highlighted the enduring significance of Dr. Hazarika’s work in fostering cultural unity and social consciousness through music. He emphasized that the University’s year-long centenary celebration would serve as a platform to carry forward the maestro’s vision of harmony, humanity, and inclusivity.
The audience was treated to a mesmerizing dance performance by renowned Sattriya artists Dipankar Arandhara and Dipjyoti Das, both recipients of the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar from the Sangeet Natak Akademi. Their performance beautifully reflected the cultural ethos that Dr. Hazarika himself celebrated throughout his artistic journey.
The programme also included a brief address by Professor Pranjit Bora, Registrar (i/c), who shed light on Dr. Hazarika’s role as a messenger of humanity and his unparalleled contribution to Assamese and Indian culture.
One of the most memorable highlights of the inaugural ceremony was a special musicale programme by veteran artists Kamal Kotoky, a long-time associate of the maestro Bhupen Hazarika along with his wife vocalist Asha Sarma Kotoky. Through the musicale they offered a personal and heartfelt glimpse into Dr. Hazarika’s life, his philosophy of universal brotherhood, and his deep concern for social justice and equality through his songs. The programme concluded with a chorus performance by the artists and audience, offered as a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Hazarika’s enduring message of unity, peace, and brotherhood.
The formal segment of the ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Sanjib Borah, Assistant Professor, KKHSOU. He expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, dignitaries, artists, staff, and learners for their contributions in making the inaugural ceremony memorable.
In the afternoon session, the University employees presented a grand cultural programme featuring songs by Dr. Ridip Dev Choudhury, Pranjit Deka, Dr. Pallavi Gogoi, Rengani Handiqui, Dr. Chayanika Roy, Arabinda Saikia; recitation by Professor Pranjit Bora, Aadvik Pritam Sarma; dance performance by Dr. Surabhi Chutia and Dr. Neeva Rani Phukan. These artistic performances paid heartfelt tribute to his ideals and reaffirmed his vision of art as a medium of social change and cultural integration.
The day-long celebration culminated in the formal closing of the ceremony, followed by a chorus joined by all the University employees, inspired by the timeless message of love, peace, and humanity embodied in Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s life and works. The programme was compeered by Dr. Dola Borkataky, Assistant Professor, KKHSOU.
The inaugural event not only paid homage to one of Assam’s and India’s greatest cultural icons but also set the stage for a series of year-long programmes by KKHSOU dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of the “Sudhakantha,” whose voice continues to echo in the hearts of people across the world.