Mon Sep 08 05:47:18 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article:
**Summary:**
On September 8, 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the late singer and filmmaker Bhupen Hazarika on what would have been his 99th birthday, marking the beginning of his birth centenary celebrations. Modi highlighted Hazarika’s significant contributions to Indian art, music, and social consciousness, emphasizing his ability to connect with people across cultures and languages. Modi also noted Hazarika’s intellectual curiosity, his engagement with global figures, and his dedication to supporting young talent. Hazarika’s work championed social justice and unity, embodying the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”. Modi celebrated the Bharat Ratna conferred upon Hazarika in 2019 and noted his lasting impact on Assam’s cultural identity. He emphasized Hazarika’s legacy of empathy, cultural preservation, and his powerful ability to bring people together, even in death.
**News Article:**
**Modi Celebrates Bhupen Hazarika’s 99th Birthday, Honors Legacy of Unity and Social Justice**
*New Delhi, September 8, 2025* – Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid heartfelt tribute to the late Bharat Ratna recipient, Bhupen Hazarika, on his 99th birth anniversary, initiating the start of centenary celebrations for the legendary Indian singer, filmmaker, and cultural icon.
In a statement released this morning, Modi lauded Hazarika as “one of the most extraordinary voices India has ever known,” highlighting his profound impact on Indian artistic expression and social consciousness. “What Bhupen Da gave us extends far beyond music,” Modi wrote, adding, “His works embodied emotions that transcended melody. More than just a voice, he was the heartbeat of the people.”
Modi emphasized Hazarika’s remarkable ability to bridge cultures and unite people across regional and linguistic divides. He spoke of Hazarika’s deep connection to his roots in Assam, highlighting how his work made the state “visible and audible to the rest of India” and helped shape its modern cultural identity. He also mentioned his time spent meeting Paul Robeson and Eleanor Roosevelt.
The Prime Minister noted Hazarika’s commitment to social justice, his advocacy for the poor and marginalized, and his dedication to supporting young talent. He praised Hazarika’s life as an embodiment of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” celebrating his contributions to national unity.
Recalling the conferral of the Bharat Ratna upon Hazarika in 2019, Modi stated it was “an honour for me personally and for the NDA government…This honour celebrated the principles that Hazarika held dear to his heart- that music, when grounded in truth, can transcend all barriers.”
Modi concluded by noting Hazarika’s lasting legacy, emphasizing his teachings on empathy, compassion, and the importance of remembering cultural roots. He further acknowledged the significance of naming the Dhola-Sadiya Bridge after Hazarika, symbolizing his ability to connect hearts and lands across regions.
The Prime Minister’s tribute underscores the enduring impact of Bhupen Hazarika on Indian culture and society, cementing his place as one of the nation’s most revered figures.
First Piper 