GUWAHATI, Nov 8 � Harish Kr Bhatt, Biraj Baishya, and Firoz Ahmed � three persons from different backgrounds share a common love and a mission. The trio was among the multitude of admirers willing to travel the extra mile to have a last glimpse of Dr Bhupen Hazarika before his mortal remains were consigned to the flames.
They became familiar with Dr Hazarika�s songs in different stages of their lives, but all agree that his music never failed to inspire and motivate them. Each of them felt that the maestro�s song carried a universal as well as a personal message.
Firoz, a young herpetologist with the conservation group Aaranyak, called this correspondent to know about the route to visit the venue where the embalmed body of Dr Hazarika was kept. �I have to have a last view of the genius, who gave Assam so much�I would not like to live with a huge regret for the rest of my life,� he remarked.
His love and admiration for the legendary bard is itself surprising. He has listened to his voice in the jungles of Kaziranga and Manas, and has shared his songs with friends in Cambridge where he was trained. �The strength of his lyrics and his superb voice form a great combination,� he said. He is happy that many others have come to enjoy Dr Hazarika�s songs through him.
For those who do not know him well, Biraj Baishya is an employee of a private airline operating from Guwahati. Those who are well acquainted, swear by his rendition of Dr Hazarika�s songs. Yesterday, he accompanied this correspondent from the LGBI airport to Dighali Pukhuri following the funeral cortege for several hours.
Today he was part of a memorial service at Mirza, but for the last few days since the death of his hero was on upavas. �It is the only way I could show my regard to Bhupenda� the finest singer and song writer I know,� Baishya said.
�I have won prizes singing his songs in 1986, and I have sat by his side when he kissed my head and blessed me� I must pay my homage to my idol,� he mentioned. His favourite song is Buku hum hum kore, a song that makes him emotional. That song, every time he sings it, always has an effect on the audience.
Harish Kr Bhatt�s story blends romance with history. The social worker from Gohpur had come to Assam on a peace mission nearly three decades back when the State was ravaged by violence. He chose to settle down in his adopted land, and went on to marry a Boro woman. An emotional Bhatt was at the LGBI airport when Flight 207 carrying Dr Hazarika�s mortal remains landed.
In Assamese he said, Moi Asamar Ratna etak biday jonabo ahiso. He had travelled for several hours from his residence to be with those who were touched by Dr Hazarika�s music, and who would in the days ahead retain a certain music in the deep recesses of their hearts.
