Shillong: The Assam Royal Global University (RGU) ended its year-long birth centenary celebration of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika on September 3. The event combined music, poetry, and reflection to honor the late cultural icon. Padma Shri awardee Dr. Manas Chaudhuri served as the chief guest for the evening.
Dr. Chaudhuri, managing director and former editor of The Shillong Times, shared personal stories from Hazarika’s time in Shillong. He highlighted Hazarika’s 1974 tenure as an independent legislator in the Shillong Assembly. He described the singer as a “magnetic personality” who possessed a rare ability to read the mood of any audience. This observant nature allowed Hazarika to craft songs that felt intensely personal to his listeners, according to Chaudhuri.
The event featured the release of a new publication titled Dr. Bhupen Hazarika: The Man and His Times. Dr. Prasanta J. Baruah and Dr. Stuti Goswami edited the work for the Bhupen Hazarika Centre for Creativity at RGU. Prof. Amarjyoti Choudhury, the centre’s chair professor, opened the gathering by discussing Hazarika’s restless imagination and creative vision.
Performances added depth to the tribute. Sattyakee D’com Bhuyan recited poetry. Singers Anirban Das, Mayukh Hazarika, and Dr. Maitrayee Patar performed during the musical segment. Attendees included RGU Chancellor Dr. A. K. Pansari, Vice Chancellor Dr. A. K. Buragohain, singer Monisha Hazarika, and artist Labu Senapati.
Chaudhuri noted how songs like "Shillongore Monalisa Lyngdoh" proved Hazarika’s ability to turn local observations into art. He cited "Manuhe Manuhor Babe" as proof of the singer's lasting commitment to human solidarity and empathy. The university community, including faculty and students, filled the room.
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