The Life and Journey of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika: A Voice That Sang for Humanity- Article by Dr. Rhaul S. Kharat
Bharat
Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika remains one of India’s most iconic cultural figures—a
poet, lyricist, composer, singer, filmmaker, journalist, scholar, and humanist
whose voice transcended borders, languages, and generations. His songs, filled
with deep political consciousness, profound compassion, and powerful
socio-cultural messages, continue to inspire millions across the world. His
life is not merely the story of an artist; it is the story of an era, a
movement, and a lasting legacy.
Birth
and Early Life
Bhupen
Hazarika was born on 8 September 1926 in Sadiya, then part of the
undivided Lakhimpur district of Assam. He was the eldest of ten siblings in a
family deeply connected with music. His father, Nilakanta Hazarika,
worked as a teacher, while his mother, Shantipriya Hazarika, was known
for her melodious voice and often infused her children’s early years with
traditional Assamese lullabies and folk tunes. Growing up in a culturally
vibrant and socially rooted Assamese household, Bhupen absorbed artistic
influences from an early age.
His
childhood was spent in towns like Guwahati, Tezpur, and Nalbari,
which exposed him to the rich tapestry of Assam’s folk culture—Borgeet, Bihu
songs, tribal rhythms, and Sattriya traditions. This early exposure shaped his
musical imagination, making him deeply sensitive to social realities, human
emotions, and cultural diversity.
Education
and Academic Brilliance
Bhupen
Hazarika’s educational journey was as remarkable as his artistic one. A gifted
child, he completed his matriculation at the age of 12 and soon exhibited
exceptional oratory and literary skills. He earned his Intermediate in Arts
(IA) from Cotton College and later completed his Bachelor of Arts (1944)
and Master of Arts (1946) in Political Science from Banaras Hindu
University (BHU).
His
academic excellence led him to receive a scholarship from Columbia
University, New York. There he pursued a Ph.D. in Mass Communication,
graduating in 1952. At Columbia, he studied under the legendary anthropologist Margaret
Mead, whose influence deepened his understanding of communication as a tool
for social transformation.
Living
in the United States during the 1940s and early 1950s exposed him to global
cultural currents such as the Black civil rights movement, the folk music
revival, jazz culture, and the writings of radical thinkers. This exposure
shaped his worldview and later reflected in songs addressing universal
themes—freedom, unity, justice, and human dignity.
Early
Inspirations and Artistic Formation
A
defining moment in Bhupen Hazarika’s life came when he met Assam’s legendary
cultural reformers Jyotiprasad Agarwala and Bishnu Prasad Rabha
during his childhood. They immediately recognized his extraordinary musical
talent. Under their influence, Bhupen composed his first song at the age of 10
and sang it publicly at the age of 12 in a public meeting in Tezpur.
Jyotiprasad
and Bishnu Rabha became lifelong inspirations, shaping Bhupen into a socially
aware artist committed to revolutionizing Assamese music and literature. This
connection also introduced him to the world of cinema, theatre, and political
activism.
Career
as a Musician and Composer
Bhupen
Hazarika’s musical journey is unparalleled in the history of Indian music. His
compositions blended Assamese folk traditions with global musical influences,
creating songs that were simple, powerful, and universal.
A
Voice of Humanity
His
songs were steeped in humanism. Whether it was:
·
the struggles of workers and farmers,
·
the pain of displacement,
·
the dream of unity among diverse
communities,
·
or the universal longing for freedom and
dignity,
Bhupen’s
music always carried a message. Songs like “Manuhe Manuhor Babe”, “Bistirno
Parore”, “Ganga Mor Maa”, “Aami Ekekhon Nodi Nohoi”, and “Dil
Hoom Hoom Kare” are embodiments of his philosophy that humanity is one.
Multilingual
Genius
Though
Assamese was his musical home, Bhupen sang in:
·
Assamese
·
Bengali
·
Hindi
·
Nepali
·
English
·
Tamil
·
and many tribal languages
His
multilingual fluency helped him reach diverse audiences across India and the
world.
Film
Music and Bollywood Presence
His
entry into Hindi cinema expanded his reach. He composed unforgettable songs for
films like:
·
Rudaali
(1993) – including the iconic “Dil Hoom Hoom Kare”
·
Daman
·
Gaj Gamini
·
Saaz
His
ability to combine folk melody with contemporary sound made him unique among
Indian composers.
Contribution
to Cinema
Bhupen
Hazarika was also a pioneer in Assamiya cinema. He was one of the key figures
behind the growth of the Assamese film industry, serving as:
·
a composer,
·
scriptwriter,
·
director, and
·
producer
His
films often carried social themes—poverty, equality, harmony, and justice.
Some
notable films include:
·
Era Batar Sur
(1956)
·
Shakuntala
(1961)
·
Pratidhwani
(1964)
·
Chik Mik Bijuli
(1971)
·
Swikarokti
(1986)
Through
cinema, he used storytelling as a powerful medium to spread social awareness.
Hobbies,
Personality, and Intellectual Depth
Bhupen
Hazarika was not only a musician but a deeply intellectual and multi-talented
personality.
Hobbies
and Interests
·
Writing poetry and essays:
He wrote extensively on society, culture, and human values.
·
Travelling:
Exposure to diverse cultures enriched his music.
·
Photography:
A lesser-known hobby that helped him capture moments and landscapes.
·
Social activism:
He participated in movements that upheld justice, equality, and cultural
identity.
·
Teaching:
He taught at various universities and enjoyed interacting with students.
Personality
Traits
He
was known for:
·
his humility,
·
his booming and charismatic voice,
·
his progressive and inclusive worldview,
·
and his deep emotional sensitivity.
He lived simply and
embraced people from all walks of life.
Political
and Social Engagement
Bhupen
Hazarika believed that an artist must engage with society. He:
·
served as the President of the Sahitya
Sabha
·
participated in socio-cultural movements
·
and even contested elections
He
was a strong advocate for peace in the Northeast and championed the cause of
Assam’s cultural identity on national and international platforms.
Honors,
Awards, and Recognition
Few
Indian artists have received as many national and international honours as
Bhupen Hazarika.
Major
Awards
·
Bharat Ratna (2019)
– India’s highest civilian award
·
Padma Vibhushan (2012)
·
Padma Bhushan (2001)
·
Dadasaheb Phalke Award (1992)
– India’s highest cinema award
·
National Film Awards
(multiple times)
·
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
·
Assam Ratna
He was also honored by many universities, cultural
organizations, and governments across the world.
International
Recognition
His
association with world music movements and his adaptations of American civil
rights songs into Indian contexts earned him global respect. His work promoting
peace and unity placed him among the world’s leading cultural ambassadors of
the 20th century.
Final
Years and Death
In
his later years, Bhupen Hazarika continued to compose, write, and inspire,
despite declining health. On 5 November 2011, he passed away in Mumbai
due to multi-organ failure. His death marked the end of an era, and the entire
nation mourned the loss of a cultural legend.
His
funeral in Guwahati witnessed countless people—across caste, religion, tribe,
language, and background—coming together as a testament to the love and unity
he had always sung about.
Legacy
Bhupen
Hazarika’s legacy lives on through:
·
his immortal songs,
·
his impactful films,
·
his social messages,
·
and the rich cultural heritage he revived
and modernized.
He
remains a bridge between the Northeast and the rest of India, between India and
the world, and between humanity and its highest ideals.
His
music reminds us that in a world divided by boundaries, compassion and unity
are the only true paths to progress.
*******
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