Guwahati, Sept 8: Assam, on Tuesday, marked the 100th birth anniversary of Dr Bhupen Hazarika with special programmes across the state, as his Samadhi Khetra in Jalukbari became the centre of a heartfelt remembrance. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, his Cabinet colleagues, noted journalist and writer Anuradha Sharma Pujari and several other dignitaries attended the programme organised by the Directorate of Cultural Affairs at Samannay Tirtha.

Paying tribute to Hazarika, Sarma said some personalities become immortal not merely because of their achievements during their lifetime, but because their creations continue to speak to generations. “History often sees the birth of a person who not only sets an example for the world but becomes immortal through his creations and legacy.

Bhupen Hazarika was one such person,” he said. 77 crore.

24 bighas, the project will receive Rs 14 crore from the North Eastern Council, with the remaining Rs 20 crore to be borne by the Assam government. Sarma appealed to those who have preserved Hazarika’s creations and belongings to offer them to the government for preservation at the proposed museum.

The government is also in talks with West Bengal to acquire Hazarika’s former residence in Tollygunge, Kolkata. “I’ve written to the West Bengal Chief Minister and the Cultural Affairs department is also working on it,” Sarma said.

The Chief Minister said the government had requested Gauhati University to provide one to two bighas of land for the development of the Samadhi Khetra. He also said the university had been requested to establish a Performing Arts Department inspired by Hazarika’s ideals, besides considering the need for a small auditorium.

Speaking to the press, Sarma said the government was planning several long-term initiatives, including augmented and virtual reality facilities at Samannay Tirtha to make the site more immersive and realistic, along with a regional theatre workshop. To connect the more people with Hazarika’s life and legacy, the Cultural Affairs Department will also organise an Instagram reel competition, Sarma said.

People aged 16 to 45 will be eligible to participate by creating a 30-second original video on Hazarika and uploading it on Instagram, with a Google Drive link to be submitted for registration. The intellectual property rights of the reels will remain with their creators, and the winners will receive monetary prizes.