Daijiworld Media Network- Guwahati
Guwahati, Apr 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the birth centenary celebrations of legendary musician and Bharat Ratna awardee Dr Bhupen Hazarika on September 8 this year, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed on Sunday.
In a post on social media platform X, CM Sarma stated, “Whenever there is a cultural milestone being celebrated in Assam, @narendramodi ji has always been present to extend his best wishes and support. On September 8 this year, he will grace the inaugural ceremony of Bhupen Da's birth centenary celebrations.”
The Chief Minister had called on the Prime Minister in New Delhi on Saturday to extend a formal invitation for the occasion. CM Sarma said that the Prime Minister has graciously accepted the invitation and will visit Assam for the inauguration.
Since taking office in 2014, PM Modi has maintained a consistent engagement with Assam — a state that holds both cultural significance and strategic importance in the country’s development narrative.
His first visit to the state after becoming Prime Minister was marked by an overwhelming response. Thousands gathered at rally grounds in Guwahati — from students to farmers — as PM Modi shared his vision of inclusive development under the mantra “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”
Emphasising connectivity, the Prime Minister outlined plans to transform Assam into a gateway to Southeast Asia through the ‘Act East’ Policy. This vision has since translated into several key infrastructure projects.
In 2016, PM Modi inaugurated the Dhola-Sadiya Bridge, later renamed Bhupen Hazarika Setu, India’s longest river bridge. The bridge not only connected distant regions of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, but also served as a symbol of national integration.
Over the years, the Prime Minister has consistently acknowledged and celebrated Assam’s rich cultural legacy. He has often worn the traditional gamosa, praised Bhupen Hazarika’s contribution to Indian music, and participated in Bihu festivities.
In April 2023, PM Modi witnessed a historic Bihu dance performance at Guwahati’s Sarusajai Stadium, where over 11,000 performers set a world record. The Prime Minister, visibly moved, clapped along with the dancers, calling it a proud moment for India’s cultural unity.
Beyond cultural appreciation, PM Modi’s visits have carried significant developmental announcements — from the foundation of AIIMS Guwahati, to launching LPG schemes for rural households and inaugurating the Brahmaputra Economic Corridor aimed at boosting trade and tourism.
During the COVID-19 recovery phase, the Prime Minister personally reviewed Assam’s healthcare efforts, inaugurated the Assam-Malaria Elimination Roadmap, and supported the growth of ethanol plants and job-creating industries.
In his speeches, PM Modi has repeatedly praised the synergy between the Centre and the Assam government, referring to the “double-engine government” as a catalyst for the state's rapid growth. This momentum helped the BJP retain power in Assam in the 2021 Assembly elections.
In a recent visit, the Prime Minister reiterated that Assam was “no longer distant from Delhi but integral to its dreams.” Before departing, he made an impromptu stop at a local school, interacting with students and encouraging them to pursue their aspirations with confidence.
A teacher at the school later remarked, “Whatever your political views, you can’t deny that Assam has been brought closer to the heart of India like never before.”
As the state gears up to celebrate Bhupen Hazarika’s birth centenary with grandeur, PM Modi’s presence is set to reaffirm the deep bond between Assam’s cultural soul and India’s developmental journey.