Eminent actor George Baker and Chameli Memsaab-fame actress Binita Borgohain on December 1 released an anthology of articles named ‘Bhupen Hazarika – Volume I’ on life and works of the legendary singer.
The launch event was held at Assam House in Kolkata. The anthology has been edited by Utpal Mena and Bhairabanan Borah.
Speaking at the book release programme, Media Advisor to the Assam Chief Minister, Hrishikesh Goswami said that Bhupen Hazarika’s songs acted as a voice for the voiceless while spreading the message of humanity and universal brotherhood. “Hazarika sang for all classes of the society as he had a deep understanding about the culture and rituals of different indigenous communities of Assam,” he said.
Saying that this compilation of articles would provide the readers an insight about different facets of the legendary singer’s life and works, Goswami also recalled the memories of his association with Hazarika and shared anecdotes of the Bard of Brahmaputra’s encounters with personalities like Paul Robson, Balraj Sahani etc. and his associations with Kolkata Book Fair among others.
Eminent artist George Baker, while speaking on the occasion, shared his emotional connection with Assam and he said this connection was possible because of Assamese peoples’ love towards him, pristine natural beauty of Assam and its rich cultural heritage. He also said that this connection was because of Bhupen Hazarika while remarking that Hazarika should have been awarded with the Nobel like Bob Dylan.
Many eminent artists, litterateurs, journalists and several other dignitaries from both Assam and West Bengal were present at the event.
