GUWAHATI, Nov 27 � On November 18, Nehru Centre, the cultural wing of Indian High Commission, organised a shraddhanjali programme to pay tribute to Dr Bhupen Hazarika, a stalwart in the annals of India�s cultural heritage, a multifaceted genius of Assam, and legendary national and international cultural icon who represented and reflected with perfection the social, cultural and political image of India, an email received here stated.
The Assamese community gathered on the bank of river Thames and arranged immersion of the ashes of Bhupenda with holy prayer and naam kirtan.
The shraddhanjali programme was initiated by Rini Kakati, NRI Assam co-ordinator for the UK.
The eminent guests invited on the occasion were Jitendra Kumar, first Secretary of Indian High Commission (Consular and Community Affairs), Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury, Counsellor Secretary, Bangladesh High Commission, Kailash Budhwar of BBC Hindi Service, Rita Payne, Chair of the Commonwealth Journalists� Association (UK), and editorial director of Global magazine, Ashis Ray of The Times of India.
In her welcome speech Sangeeta Bahadur, (Director of Nehru Centre) mentioned that Dr Hazarika was a legendary singer, composer, lyricist, music director, filmmaker and politician from the State of Assam. He influenced many people throughout the country and in the neighboring countries. His song reflected his views on the current situation of society, culture and politics. He composed songs in Assamese, Bengali, Hindi and English. He played an important role in showcasing the culture and art of Assam in other parts of India and the world.
Jitendra Kumar, first Secretary, Indian High Commission (Consular and Community Affairs) paid an emotional tribute to Dr Bhupen Hazarika remembering his songs and the importance of 3B�s � Brahmaputra, Bihu and Bhupen � during his childhood days spent in Assam as a nine-year-old boy.
Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury, representing the Bangladesh High Commission, said how Dr Hazarika will be missed on the soil of Bangladesh. He was adored by each and every Bengali on the earth, and inspired and united them by singing Ganga Amar Maa, Padma Amar Maa.
Kailash Budhwar of BBC Hindi Service, called Dr Hazarika a patriot as he devoted his entire life for the uplift of the poorest of the poor across his region, State, country and the globe.
Rita Payne presented an obituary by a sentimental power presentation with some of her childhood remembrance of Dr Hazarika�s memorable songs.
Gulam Mustafa, Director of Udichi UK, was very emotional while talking about his involvement with Dr Hazarika all those past years.
On behalf of the Assamese community, Bhuban Baruah and Manjira Chowdhury thanked the distinguish guests and the audience for sharing their grief with the community.
