BARPETA, Nov 7 - The fourth death anniversary of Sudhakantha, Dr Bhupen Hazarika was observed in every nook and corner of Barpeta district on Thursday. Various functions were organised all over the district to make the day a memoable one. Songs of the doyen were heard all day. Cultural programmes even continued overnight in some places.
Seven of the Bhupen Hazarika open stages and parks built as part of the dream project of the Chief Minister under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Act, were inaugurated in seven development blocks of the district. The Deputy Commissioner of Barpeta, Varnali Deka inaugurated the stage under Bhababipur development block built in North Barpeta College at Dhanbandha under Bahmura Gaon Panchayat.
Speaking on the occasion, Deka said that November 5 is a day of mourning for the people of Assam as the great maestro Dr Bhupen Hazarika left for his heavenly abode on that day. But we, the people must make the day memorable and keep his soul alive amongst us. Stating that Dr Hazarika contributed a lot not only to the music, but also to Assamese language and literature, she said that his creations will never fade as long as human beings exist on earth. She requested the youths of the State to follow the ideals inherent in the epic songs of Dr Hazarika.
Referring to the stage, the Deputy Commissioner said that if the stage and the park is utilised well, the local people will be benefited a lot, as they will be able to organise public events and competitions there. She requested the local people to utilise them well and keep them neat and clean.
Project Director of District Rural Development Agency, Mahmud Hassan also spoke on the occasion. Later, the Deputy Commissioner inaugurated a park and a statue of Dr Hazarika at Sankardev Bharidhowa Ghat under Niz Chenga Gaon Panchayat and participated in an open meeting there.
She also delivered a lecture at Bishnupur under Barbila Gaon Panchayat where a meeting was held on the occasion of the inauguration of the stage and the park built under Gomafulbari Development block.
Stages and parks were also inaugurated at Rampur under Barpeta development block, Mandia Gaon under Mandia development block, Gamatiguri under Gobardhana block and Baniakuchi under Sarukshetri block. It may be mentioned here that four such stages were inaugurated on September 8 last, the birth anniversary of the great artiste. Due to some unavoidable circumstances, the rest could not be completed, which were dedicated to the public on November 5.
