Editor,
This is in response to Dipak Kurmi’s article titled “Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s melodies of Human compassion” (September 7).
Dr.Bhupen Hazarika might not be with us in physical terms any more; but, through his immortal songs, the maestro will continue to reside in our hearts as the beloved Jajabor as long as Burha Luit, Ganga and Padma flows through our land.
All music lovers should definitely commemorate the upcoming birth anniversary of the great artist with utmost respect; but as we approach the birth centenary year of the Humanitarian Bard, simultaneously it also remains the duty of the State apparatus and the citizens to follow the path and thought as envisaged by him.
Never never should we forget the helplessness of Durbol Manuhe who form the overwhelming majority in our society. Through welfare schemes and cooperative attitude of Manuhe Manuhor Babe, the authorities and the fellow citizens respectively should lend assistance and helping hand for the hapless billions who remain starved and illiterate in the Bistirno Parore of Sutlej to Cauvery, Narmada to Burha Luit.
The musical gems of Dr.Hazarika cried not only for the hungry and the exploited souls(like the bearers of Dola or palanquin), but also for those tortured refugees who are forced to “sleep” under the merciless sky after getting barbarically evicted from their homeland.
If we really try to imbibe the thoughts as propagated by him right through his life; perhaps society will learn to tolerate the cultural and religious diversities and make the world a peaceful one, thereby unifying it through the bond of humanity only.
The death and birth anniversary of the immortal Jajabor will remain relevant and gain more lustre only if we traverse his path of compassion, love and brotherhood.
Another aspect of Bhupenda deserves serious mention today. To remain true to his Asomiya roots, he did not shun the country and the world. And to embrace all things national or international; he did not forsake his indigenous identity, language and culture as well. All things Assam, India and the world were embedded within his Himalayan personality. Had the world emulated Dr.Bhupen Hazarika’s ideals and liberalism, the society would have indeed turned into a peaceful place worth living.
Kajal Chatterjee
Kolkata
Via e-mail
