Dr Bhupen Hazarika birth centenary celebrations: PM Narendra Modi releases book in 21 languages, including Dogri
Jammu, Sep 14: Prime Minister Narendra Modi released “Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika”, a book translated into 21 languages recognised by the Constitution of India, including Dogri, while inaugurating the birth centenary celebrations of Dr Bhupen Hazarika at Guwahati on Sunday.
The occasion marked a historic tribute to the legendary singer, composer, and cultural icon whose creations continue to inspire generations across India.
The Prime Minister applauded the effort made in this direction so that everyone across the nation and globe should know more and more about the legend.
The release of the book in 21 languages can be seen as a pathbreaking cultural outreach. It breaks linguistic barriers, allowing people across India to connect with Bhupen Hazarika’s philosophy of humanity, integration and compassion.
Among the editions, the Dogri translation holds special importance. Translated by the eminent Dogri writer Rajeshwar Singh ‘Raju’, a Sahitya Akademi and State Award recipient, it brings the essence of Bhupen Da’s philosophy to the readers of the Duggar region.
The original book is written in the Assamese language by noted novelist Anuradha Sharma Poojari, and the ambitious project was accomplished under the supervision of the young and talented project manager Aprajita Poojari.
She ensured that the task got completed within the time frame. The translators in other languages include Krishna Dulal Barua, S N Jha, Anantha Narayana S, Dr Pattipaka Mohan, Sanskar Desai, Suvash Satapathy, Rekha Deshpande, Ashok Kumar Jha, Nalla Thambi K, F M Saleem, Gyan Bahadur Shetri, Lal Chand Saren, Swarna Prabha Chainary, Sampanandan Mishra, Kudalkar Lilesh, Sandeep Sharma, Dr Sangmitra Rathod, Prof Ashraf Zia and Ajay Verma Alluri.
All the translators of different languages from different corners of the country, including Rajeshwar Singh ‘Raju’, were present in the august gathering on the occasion.
“The initiative bears the imprint of the Chief Minister of Assam, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, who has been at the forefront of preserving and promoting Assam’s cultural heritage. By involving Assam Prakashan Parishad and mobilising state resources, Dr Sarma ensured that Bhupen Da’s contributions were presented in a manner that resonated nationally. His vision has been pivotal in bringing Assam’s cultural legacy into the mainstream and in making the year-long centenary celebrations a truly national event,” Raju observed.
“Notably, this effort follows the grand commemoration of the 400th birth anniversary of Ahom General Lachit Borphukan, which too was celebrated under the leadership of Dr Sarma.
