As we mark the 100th birth anniversary of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika on September 8, 2025, India pauses to honor not just a singer, but a pioneer whose life transcended music, culture, and borders. Affectionately known as the “Bard of Brahmaputra,” Hazarika’s resonant voice and timeless compositions brought the sounds of Assam to the world. 

Much of his music drew inspiration from the world around him, its rivers, landscapes, and the lives of ordinary people. The mighty Brahmaputra, flowing through his homeland, became a recurring symbol in his songs, embodying resilience, continuity, and the heartbeat of Assam. Its rhythms, the life along its banks, and the joys and struggles of those who lived by it infused his compositions with authenticity and emotion. From tea gardens to riverine villages, from tribal communities to urban life, Hazarika absorbed these experiences and transformed them into melodies that spoke to the soul. 

Yet, beyond the familiar melodies lies a lesser-known tapestry of humanitarianism, global engagement, and cinematic innovation, which makes his story all the more extraordinary.

The Early Influences: Jyoti Prasad Agarwala and Assamese Roots

Bhupen Hazarika’s artistic journey began under the guidance of Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, the legendary Assamese filmmaker, playwright, and composer. At just ten years old, Hazarika impressed Agarwala by singing a Borgeet, a traditional Assamese devotional song. This encounter opened the doors to his first involvement in cinema with Indramalati (1939) and instilled in him a lifelong appreciation for blending music with storytelling. Agarwala’s vision of using art to reflect social realities left an indelible mark on Hazarika, shaping his commitment to socially conscious music and films.

Humanitarian Artist

Hazarika’s music was always intertwined with his deep sense of social responsibility. Songs like Manuhe Manuhor Babe were not mere ballads, they were humanitarian appeals urging compassion and empathy. He gave voice to the marginalized, writing about inequality, displacement, migration, and the dignity of labor well before these became mainstream social discourses. Every note, every lyric carried a powerful commentary on human justice and empathy, making his art both beautiful and socially relevant.

Many of  his songs also subtly explored themes of development and connectivity long before “infrastructure development” became buzzwords. He imagined bridges, roads, and rivers as symbols of progress and unity, foreseeing how neglect of the Northeast in infrastructure could perpetuate inequalities. His art not only reflected the present but also envisioned a future where culture, development, and social justice were interlinked.

A Global Perspective

Bhupen Hazarika’s vision was shaped as much by Assam as by the world. Studying at Columbia University in New York exposed him to global struggles and inspired a lifelong commitment to social justice through art. His friendship with Paul Robeson, the legendary African-American singer and activist, deeply influenced him. Robeson’s Ol’ Man River inspired Hazarika’s own Bistirno Parore, a song that translated global struggles into local narratives. Through such works, Hazarika became a cultural bridge, bringing international consciousness to Assamese music while retaining its folk essence.

The Filmmaker and Storyteller

Though remembered mostly as a singer, Bhupen Hazarika was also a pioneering filmmaker. His debut directorial movie Era Bator Sur (1956) portrayed the struggles of tea plantation workers in Assam, making him one of the earliest to use cinema as a tool for social commentary.

He went on to direct acclaimed films such as Shakuntala (1961), Pratidhwani (1964), Loti Ghoti (1966), and Chikmik Bijuli (1969). These films explored themes of women’s empowerment, rural electrification, social justice, and tribal identity, decades ahead of mainstream cinema. His unique ability to blend realism with folklore and music turned his films into reflections of Assamese society.

Social Activism and Political Engagement

Hazarika’s association with the Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA) reflected his belief in art as a vehicle for social change. In 1967, he was elected as a member of the Assam Legislative Assembly from Nauboicha, and later served as Chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi.

Yet, unlike many who pursued political careers, Hazarika remained primarily a cultural voice. He used politics as a platform to amplify concerns about inequality, connectivity, and the Northeast’s neglect, but his legacy rests in art that spoke louder than speeches.

Contributions to Arunachal Pradesh and Northeast

Hazarika shared a profound connection with Arunachal Pradesh, a state whose landscapes and cultures inspired much of his music. He composed songs celebrating the region’s natural beauty, tribal heritage, and rivers, helping bring Arunachal’s identity to the national stage. “Arunachal Hamara” became a beloved anthem, reflecting the pride and aspirations of its people. 

While Assam and Arunachal were closest to his heart, Hazarika’s influence extended to other regions. In West Bengal, he composed songs and scores exploring Bengali folklore and rural life, collaborating with prominent filmmakers. In Mizoram and other Northeastern states, he worked with local artists to promote folk music, often performing at regional festivals to amplify marginalized voices. 

Legacy That Endures

Bhupen Hazarika’s centenary is a moment to reflect on a life that was vast in vision and intimate in empathy. As a singer, composer, filmmaker, humanitarian, and cultural ambassador, he wove Assam’s stories into the fabric of India’s consciousness. His music continues to resonate with universal human values, his films chronicle lives often ignored, and his vision of connectivity and justice remains profoundly relevant.

Conclusion

As India celebrates Bhupen Hazarika at 100, we honor  a man who sang for humanity, filmed for justice, and lived for unity. His centenary is not just a celebration of the past, but a reminder of the enduring power of art to inspire change, build bridges, and bring people together. A life like his comes but once in a generation; it is a rare gift, and a privilege for us to have witnessed it.