NEW DELHI, Nov 5 � President Pratibha Devisingh Patil has condoled the passing away of Dr Bhupen Hazarika.
In her condolence message the President said, �Dr Hazarika was a creative genius whose deep baritone voice was instantly recognised by poetry and music lovers across the nation. His use of folk music with a touch of the contemporary made his compositions unique in their own way. In his passing away, the nation has lost a music maestro and an artiste of exceptional ability.�
Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has condoled the demise of the legendary composer and singer, even as Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi declared a state mourning besides proposing to set up an institute in his memory.
The Chief Minister, who was scheduled to leave for Mumbai to see the ailing singer was forced to cancel his trip at the last moment on health grounds. He described his inability to visit Mumbai as most unfortunate and said that he considered himself most unlucky.
Talking to newsmen, Gogoi promised State assistance, besides announcing State mourning and State funeral. He also assured that the request for conferring Bharat Ratna on Dr Hazarika would be pursued with the Central Government.
�Today is one of the saddest days, not only for Assam but for the music lovers of whole world. He was a very popular singer, artiste, music director, great actor and his contribution in various fields, including literature and culture, besides he is a great humanist. He had a big heart and he had always tried to promote brotherhood and friendship among the different community�.
�He was a man who was concerned for the poor, downtrodden and deprived sections and all along he fought atrocities. Here was a man, who was concerned for welfare of human being.
�The whole country lost a legendary figure. He could win over every section of the people and his words were like music. He had a great personality. He could mix up with all sections of the society,� Gogoi said.
�I have never come across such a figure, who was so popular among the people. In his death we definitely lost a great legend. Though he is no more with us, he would be always remembered for his great contributions. We all pray to god for eternal peace and extend condolence to his bereaved family,� the Chief Minister, who constantly kept track of the developments in Mumbai, said.
�We are going to declare state mourning and state funeral also. We are also going to have an institute in his memory. He himself was a great institution,� he said replying to questions.
About the proposal for conferring Bharat Ratna, the Chief Minister said he has written a letter and has already recommended his name for conferring the coveted national award. �I will pursue with Government of India to consider conferring Bharat Ratna to him,� he said, adding that the State has already conferred Asam Ratna to him.
The Chief Minister further said that no State has accorded such honour like Assam did, when it accorded him cabinet status.
Describing his death as most tragic and a great loss not only for Assam and the North-east but the entire country, Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Paban Singh Ghatowar extended his condolence to the singer�s family.
Ghatowar, saying that Dr Hazrika�s death would leave a big void, said the singer was among few personalities in the country, whose endeavour to promote regional integrity and national unity through his works was almost unparalleled.
