Assam Assembly adopts resolution for renaming Dibrugarh airport after Bhupen Hazarika

Guwahati, Jun 9 (PTI) The Assam Assembly on Monday echoed with soulful melodies of Bhupen Hazarika as legislators across party lines sang his iconic songs and recited his timeless compositions as the House unanimously adopted a resolution urging the central government to rename the Dibrugarh airport in honour of the legendary musician.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, along with ministers and MLAs from both the treasury and opposition benches, paid glowing tributes to Hazarika’s enduring legacy, especially his message of universal love and humanity through his creative works.

State Transport Minister Jogen Mohan moved the government resolution recommending that the central government rename the Dibrugarh airport as ‘Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika Airport, Dibrugarh’, during the day-long special session convened for this purpose.

Several members punctuated their speeches with songs of Hazarika, with BJP minister Prasanta Phukan to CPI(M) legislator Manoranjan Talukdar singing together a couple of evergreen numbers by the ‘Bard of Brahmaputra’.

Leader of opposition Debabrata Saikia of Congress, supporting the resolution, said Hazarika wanted Assam to be the messenger of unity for the whole nation, and efforts must be made to turn it into a reality.

He made several proposals for preserving the memory of Hazarika, including a website with free access to his songs and films and scholarship to youngsters to study his compositions.

AIUDF legislators underlined the message of humanity in Hazarika’s creative works and stressed the need to emulate it in all aspects.

Sarma, participating in the discussion, emphasised on Hazarika’s identity as a ‘humanist’ above anything else.

"Who is a Leftist, BJP, Hindu, Muslim, we have to rise above it today…he was humanity. He had contested from Naoboicha Assembly seat as an Independent. I don’t want to mention which party he represented," he said, seeking to downplay Hazarika’s political affiliations during his lifetime.

Sarma said the special session was convened as it is mandatory for an Assembly resolution for renaming any airport or railway station.

"First, the state Cabinet has to make the decision. It has to be passed by the Assembly and then, the Union cabinet will approve it. This has paved the way for renaming the airport anytime now after September 8," he added.

The year-long birth centenary celebration of the ‘Bard of Brahmaputra’ will commence on September 8, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to grace the inaugural programme here, Sarma said.

Various programmes throughout the year, including in Arunachal Pradesh where he spent his formative years, and Kolkata and Mumbai where he spent his professional time, have been lined up, with the closing ceremony planned at the national capital, Sarma said.

He said the Reserve Bank of India has been approached for a commemorative coin.

A ‘chair’ in Benaras Hindu University in the name of Hazarika for studying folk culture and songs, a book on his life which will be translated into 23 Indian languages and made available in libraries and educational institutions across the country, are among plans in the pipeline during the yearlong celebration, Sarma said.

The book on his life will be presented to 10-12 lakh people in Assam, he added.

The chief minister said several proposals have been received during the first meeting of the core committee formed for the centenary celebrations, and steps will be taken to implement these as far as possible.

"Bhupen Hazarika was a person of the masses, and the government alone cannot celebrate his life. I urge the MLAs to take this celebration to all levels of society to make it a real success," he added.

Sarma also underlined various measures by his government to present before the country and world the rich heritage and history of the state, including celebrations of the 400th birth anniversary of legendary Ahom general Lachit Barphukan, UNESCO world heritage site status to Charaideo Moidam and classical language status to Assamese. PTI SSG SSG MNB