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On the occasion of Assamese icon and Bharat Ratna late Bhupen Hazarika’s 96th birthday on Thursday, Google created an artistic Google Doodle in his honor. The illustration for the Google Doodle depicts the late Hazarika also remembered as the ‘Bard of Brahmaputra’ playing the harmonium, and it was created by Mumbai-based guest artist Rutuja Mali.
Hazarika was a well-known poet, singer, composer, and filmmaker, as well as a prominent socio-cultural reformer from northeast India. The Google Doodle honors his efforts to promote Assamese cinema and folk music.
Things to know about the late Bhupen Hazarika:
Hazarika, who was born on September 8, 1926, grew up inspired by songs and folk tales about life along the Brahmaputra.
At a young age, his musical talent piqued the interest of renowned Assamese lyricist Jyotiprasad Agarwala, and filmmaker Bishnu Prasad Rabha. They helped Hazarika record his first song, launching his musical career when he was only 10.
By the age of 12, Hazarika was writing and recording songs for two films: Indramalati: Kaxote Kolosi Loi and Biswo Bijoyi Naujawan, according to Google.
Hazarika composed several songs over time, with a desire to tell stories through his music. His songs addressed, among other things, happiness, grief, unity, courage, romance, determination, and loneliness.
Hazarika was not only gifted musically, but also intellectually. He earned a Master’s degree in Political Science from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and a PhD in Mass Communication from Colombia University in 1952.
Following the completion of his studies in the United States, Hazarika returned to India to pursue his musical career and make films that popularized Assamese culture on a national and international scale.
Hazarika received numerous awards during her 60-year career, including the National Award for Best Music Direction in 1975, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1987, the Padma Shri in 1977, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1992, and the Padma Bhushan in 2001. In 2012, he was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, and in 2019, the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award.
Hazarika also served as chairman and director of numerous boards and associations, including the National Film Development Corporation of India.
Hazarika died on November 5, 2011, at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Medical Research Institute in Mumbai, of multi-organ failure. Nearly half a million people attended his funeral in Assam.
“Happy birthday, Bhupen Hazarika! Your songs and films continue to command respect for Assam’s rich culture,” Google said.
Source:HT
