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Concerted efforts stressed to preserve Bhupenda�s works

By Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, Nov 12 � Noted writer Arup Dutta, who has authored the lone English book on legendary musician Dr Bhupen Hazarika � Bhupen Hazarika: The Roving Minstrel�is of the opinion that in preserving the creations of Dr Hazarika for the posterity, the first priority should be attached to compilation of the text of his poetical and lyrical compositions.

This should be done authoritatively by a recognised body of experts acknowledged by national institutions like AASU and Asam Sahitya Sabha and universities, maintained the noted author.

The writings of the master artiste, which are still in manuscript form, particularly those written in his final years, should be collected and compiled. Efforts should also be made to compile and preserve his recorded songs available with the All India Radio (AIR), Doordarshan, etc.

The prints of his cinematic works, including the documentaries too, should be collected, and if needed be restored, and preserved for posterity. Institutes like the Publication Board, Assam (PBA), should publish compendium of his entire writings, including his autobiography and letters.

His photographs since his boyhood, which are available publicly or privately, should again be compiled and published in an album form. A museum should be set up where people from outside as well as the new generation can familiarize themselves with the achievements and contributions of the master artiste.

Again, the writings, specially the poems and lyrics of the bard should be translated into other languages so as to enable the non-Assamese readers to know the power of his pen, said the renowned author.

Noted critic Prof Hiren Dutta is of the opinion that the immortal songs of the master musician should be made available to all the Assamese people, protecting them against the possibility of vulgar commercialization.

The literary quality of his songs is yet to be analysed suitably and exhaustively. The universities located within Assam should entrust this task to some really worthy persons. Of course, this endeavour should be pursued steadily yet relentlessly. The aim should be achieved within a targeted period.

The propagation of other achievements of Dr Bhupen Hazarika such as his achievements in cinema and many other spheres of art, should be taken up by institutes like the Jyoti Chitraban, the AIR and the Doordarshan.

Moreover, a book containing exhaustive information on Dr Hazarika�s creations should be prepared properly.

But, while trying to cherish the memories of Dr Hazarika, we the Assamese people must take note of the fact that his creations represent the great Assamese tradition starting from Srimanta Sankaradeva to Jyotiprasad Agarwalla and Bishnuprasad Rava. This noteworthy level of his achievements should always be pursued in all our endeavours to keep the memories of this great personality alive, said Prof Dutta.

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