Transcription
I will ensure that the honorable Prime Minister is welcomed with applause, respect, and honor.
I will request the honorable Prime Minister to please take his seat. Present among us are the honorable Governor of Assam, Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya ji. The honorable Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, and other distinguished guests.
Now, I will request the honorable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji, to offer floral tributes to the pride of our culture, Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. I will request the honorable Governor of Assam and the honorable Chief Minister of Assam to please assist the honorable Prime Minister in this offering of floral tributes. Thank you. Please take your seats.
Now, we would like to greet our respected chief guest, the honorable Prime Minister of the country. I will request the honorable Governor of Assam and the honorable Chief Minister of Assam to please honor our respected Prime Minister.
First, the honorable Prime Minister will be greeted with a 'Muga Sa' (a traditional Assamese scarf). Thank you.
Now, a 'Horai' (a traditional Assamese conical bamboo and cloth headgear) is being presented to the honorable Prime Minister. The Horai is a key part of Assam's cultural heritage, considered a symbol of respect and reverence. Thank you.
Now, the honorable Prime Minister is being greeted by presenting a portrait of the carrier of art and culture, Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. This painting has been made in the 'Aha Kham' style, using gold and natural colors on Assam's golden Muga silk. Thank you.
Now, we request the family members of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, the Vice President of the Bhupen Hazarika Cultural Trust, Mrs. Monica Hazarika ji, and the renowned artist and long-time associate and creative partner of Bhupen Hazarika, Shri Kamal Kotoki ji, to please greet the honorable Prime Minister.
[Applause] [Applause] Thank you.
Now, I will request the honorable Minister of the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Assam, Shri Bimal Borah ji, to please deliver the welcome speech.
Namaskar to all. Greetings to the honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, the honorable Governor of Assam, Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya ji, the honorable Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. Hemanta Biswa Sarma ji, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Dr. Sarbananda Sonowal ji, the honorable Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu ji, the esteemed dignitaries present here in Guwahati, including Smt. Bijuli Kalita Medhi ji, the son of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, Shri Tej Hazarika ji, the brother of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, Shri Homen Hazarika ji, the sister of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, Smt. Kabita Barua, and all our brothers and sisters. We express our deep respect and gratitude. As part of the centenary celebration of the Bard of the Brahmaputra, Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, we have gathered here today to pay our heartfelt tribute. Fondly remembered as the 'Sudha Kontho' (Melodious Voice), he remains the cultural icon of Assam and India. As he once sang, "More Gitore Hajar Tum, Namaskar Gitore Hat Tum, Mor Pradhan Alankar." But today, the roles are reversed. We are the voices, and he is the listener, hearing his own songs echo through the heavens above. He brought glory to Assam and Assam's people on the global stage by projecting the rich heritage, civilization, and culture of the Brahmaputra Valley through his life. He was a visionary singer, the anthem of humanity, spreading the timeless message of harmony, justice, cultural integration, and universal brotherhood. Dr. Hazarika's timeless songs will continue to inspire, guide, and motivate generations to come.
Every song of Bhupen was a voice. He sang, "Man is for man, for life, why is he not entitled to a little compassion, O brother, man is for man." Seeing the creation of the great sculptor Gora, let us praise and remember him. This ceremony is being organized in his memory. Leading this event are the highly respected honorable Chief Minister Dr. Hemanta Biswa Sarma ji and the honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji. The Central Government, in 2019, honored Dr. Bhupen Hazarika posthumously with the Bharat Ratna. This is a tribute to Bhupen. The presence of Prime Minister Modi ji at this ceremony on Bhupen's birth anniversary has made us fortunate. With grateful hands, we extend a warm welcome and request you. We are fortunate to have Dr. Hazarika's son, Tej Hazarika ji, brother Homen Hazarika ji, and sister Kabita Barua ji present at this ceremony. We also extend our respects to the invited individuals and artists who had the privilege of Dr. Hazarika's company. The esteemed artists who will perform the collective music today, and the entire nation, mesmerized by the 'Sudha Kontho', are here. On the birth anniversary of Dr. Hazarika, a great figure of our national life, this grand ceremony is being held. Thank you.
Namaskar. [Applause] Thank you, Your Excellency.
Ladies and gentlemen, now we are going to present a collection of some immortal songs of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. These songs not only convey messages of patriotism, brotherhood, unity, and humanity but are also powerful expressions of our social and cultural values. Now, more than 10,100 esteemed singers will collectively sing these songs in unison. Let us all witness this historic moment together, where music, philosophy, and public consciousness will resonate together.
[Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause]
"My songs demand society to be casteless, classless, and to live in harmony, peace, progress, unity, and non-violence, to live the romance of life."
"Pras Dham, Pras, Pras, what is the reason for your devotion, O miserly miser?"
[Music]
[Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music]
Now we... [Music] [Applause] [Music] ...former life... [Music] [Applause] [Music] ...in... [Music] ...former... [Music] [Applause] [Music] ...Mora... [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] ...re... [Applause] [Music] ...O... [Music] [Applause] ...Koya Ram... [Applause] ...you... [Music] ...were born, O born, Pa... [Music] [Applause] [Music] ...did not come... [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] ...son Shiva Guru, no, no, sacred father, sacred, sacred, sacred... [Applause] ...Ago... [Applause] [Music] ...new... [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] ...Mam Huamum... [Applause] [Music] [Music] ...Nama... [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] ...we... [Music] [Music] ...death is life, death is not... [Music] ...we always... [Music] [Applause] [Music] ...son, O, you are, O, moon, your moonlight burns me, O... [Music] ...I have wings, I fly around, don't worry... [Music] ...a drop of water, O, from my eyes, O, Mosi... [Music] [Applause] [Music] ...who is mad, you gave... [Music] [Applause] [Music] ...re, I saw, O, the mountain's hollow... [Music] ...Upiya... [Applause] [Music] ...O, creation... [Music] ...of... [Music] [Applause] ...Si... [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] ...Shabash, why are you not conscious, there is no life in inspiration, why does the mother of men, God in India, not know the happiness of expansion? Why is the word Mahakal always Ganga, you Ganga flows, why?... [Music] ...Arun Kiran Shesh ki dhara, Suras Desh Hamara, Chal Hamara, Param Kiran Shesh Kushan ki dhara, Prabha Suraj Sumit Desh Hamara, Arunachal Hamara, Arunachal Hamara, Chal Hamara... [Music] ...Special, Baria... [Music] ...Hoey... [Music] ...Aa... [Music] ...Ho... [Music] ...of Aasi Hai Ko Kaise Preriya... [Applause] [Music] [Applause] ...in light, Maha Brahma Putra Mahavira, Pa... [Music] ...se... [Music] ...Maha... [Music] ...Aa Ha Ha Ha Aa, Durbal Man... [Music] ...life... [Music] ...is man, man, man... [Applause] [Music] ...you, O brother, violence, violence, for life, a little compassion, why not, O brother, kill and get... [Music] ...the same, more, the same, if the same, Aa, caste is caste, is it not, one, one... [Music] ...the same, brother, the same, brother, Mora caste is, Mora is, one, one... [Applause] [Music] ...My India is so diverse, yet will always be united through its inherent spirituality and music. We are in the same boat, two brothers, we are in the same boat, brother, hail mother, hail mother India. [Music]
This was an extremely heart-touching presentation. I express my heartfelt gratitude to all the respected artists. Now, I request the younger brother of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, the renowned singer Shri Homen Hazarika ji, to share a few words with this distinguished gathering.
Namaskar. Today, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, at this ceremony, the distinguished personalities present on the stage, the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi ji, the honorable Governor of Assam, Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya ji, the Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. Hemanta Biswa Sarma ji, the Union Minister, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal ji, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu ji, the Minister of Cultural Affairs, Shri Bimal Borah ji, the esteemed Smt. Bijuli Kalita Medhi ji, the son of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, Shri Tej Hazarika ji, his only brother and nephew, the sister of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, Smt. Kabita Barua, and the distinguished individuals present from various parts of Assam and those who benefited from Dr. Bhupen Hazarika's company, and the artists. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the artists who will perform the collective music today, and to the Assam government and all our brothers and sisters. Today is a very significant day. Bhupen was a person who respected his elders and was inspired by them. He received guidance from Jyoti Prasad Agarwala and Bishnu Prasad Rabha and entered the world of music. From his time in Tezpur, at the age of nine, Bhupen Hazarika, under the name 'Shankar Guru', spread his fame as a lyricist and composer in the world of music. Through his relentless and solitary practice, he elevated himself into a world-renowned artist. He wrote songs of the new era, of new Assam, of new feelings. "Om Gauri, Har Bahar, Har Bas, Har Bahar, Har Bas, Punar Firaya, Natun Assam Go, Natun Bharat Go." The inherent spirit of the 1942 freedom struggle, the saga of sacrifice and resolve, and the sense of self-sacrifice are evident today. He created history by writing, "Mor Mona Bhoria Jaai, O Mor Mona Ketia, O Logote Ban Nirmal Jotey Phule Boria Jaai, Mor Mona Phule Boria Jaai." Through this, he bound his entire experience, thoughts, consciousness, and musical wealth into one thread, connecting Assam and its people. His songs, mixed with national pride and emotion, are deeply significant and awaken intellectual consciousness. His songs about life and humanity are a testament to his nature. He has been honored with the highest awards in India, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and posthumously, India's highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna, in 2019. But a greater reward than these honors is the love of the people. That love that still sings his compositions, keeping them alive. Today, as the nation celebrates the birth centenary of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, the honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi himself has paid tribute to Bhupen by writing a heartfelt article, in which he described him as a cultural bridge between Assam, the Northeast, and the world. Under the leadership of the honorable Chief Minister Dr. Hemanta Biswa Sarma, the Assam government has taken many initiatives to celebrate this historic centenary year. Bhupen Hazarika's voice still resonates today, giving us a message of unity, humanity, and hope. Thank you.
Now, I humbly request the honorable Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. Hemanta Biswa Sarma ji, to please address this esteemed assembly.
Today, at this memorable gathering, present among us is the honorable Prime Minister of India and our respected leader, Shri Narendra Modi ji. The honorable Governor of Assam, Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya ji, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal ji, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu ji, Shri Bimal Borah ji, Smt. Bijuli Kalita Medhi ji, the esteemed son of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, Shri Tej Hazarika ji, his brother Shri Homen Hazarika ji, and his sister Smt. Kabita Barua ji. Distinguished individuals from various parts of Assam, artists, litterateurs, and the esteemed art connoisseurs who have participated in the collective music today. We are honored by the dignified presence of the honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji at this ceremony on the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. We extend our heartfelt welcome to the honorable Prime Minister ji. Your presence at this ceremony has further enhanced our event. On this sacred occasion, we offer our deepest respects and devotion to the feet of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika on behalf of the entire state of Assam and its people. Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, one of the greatest Assamese luminaries, a multifaceted personality of Assam, who infused music, melody, poetry, and prose with a new vision and profound social commentary. He brought the joys and sorrows of the world to the common people, making them his own, and with his incomparable music, he captivated the world. His influence continues to resonate for generations. I express my heartfelt respect for Bhupen. On September 8th, the honorable Prime Minister ji wrote an article mentioning that Bhupen Hazarika's life was a testament to the power of empathy, devotion, and the ability to connect with the people. Prime Minister ji has expressed his feelings in this manner about Bhupen Hazarika's life, a musical journey of the land of Assam, imbued with the noble humanitarian ideals of Srimanta Sankardev and Madhavdev. Bhupen Hazarika's songs fulfilled the social responsibility of art. Through his songs, he conveyed messages of joy, forgiveness, human suffering, and the need for language to be free. He enriched the world of music with songs from Mahapurush Sankaradev, Bihu songs, 'Ai Naam Biya Naam', 'Nishukani', 'Ooni Tam', 'Jikur Kamrup', Goalpariya folk songs, 'Jhumur', 'Bhatiali', ballads, and 'Lakhur Homahare'. His creations are filled with deep and authentic messages of love, depicting the world with unparalleled contributions. He was honored with the Dada Saheb Phalke Award, the highest national recognition. His role as the Chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi is unforgettable for the Assamese nation. The people, with their unique respect for this great artist, have bestowed upon him the highest honor. The honorable Prime Minister of India ji, recognizing this great artist of the world, honored him with the Bharat Ratna. This is a rare achievement for our nation. Furthermore, at today's ceremony, the honorable Prime Minister ji will symbolically present a one-rupee coin, presented by the Reserve Bank of India, as a tribute to Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. This is an expression of our nation's gratitude. The Dholla Khia Dolong, named after Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, is an offering from our nation. When Prime Minister ji, when Dr. Bhupen Hazarika passed away, the Indian government and no other leader expressed their condolences. On that day, the Prime Minister of India himself paid his respects to Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, enriching our nation. Today, the Prime Minister ji, on the occasion of his birth centenary, has come to offer his respects to Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, alleviating the pain of the Assamese people. For the past five years, our state has been working for development and cultural outreach. The Assamese language, the Bodo language, the Deodhai language, the world's recognition of Jhumur and Bihu. After his birth anniversary, today, on the occasion of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika's birth centenary, the presence of the honorable Prime Minister ji has brought new pride to the Assamese nation. As the Chief Minister of Assam, this is a great honor for me. This will be a sweet memory for the new generation. I once again express my heartfelt gratitude to the Assamese nation for offering their respects to Dr. Bhupen Hazarika ji. The state government will observe this birth centenary year with great seriousness. I seek the help and cooperation of the people of Assam. Once again, I thank all the artists who have enriched today's ceremony with Bhupen's songs. I express my gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. The honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, by coming amongst us today and honoring Bhupen, has done something that we, the people of Assam, will never forget. We will always remember the Prime Minister ji for this reason. I seek the blessings of the Prime Minister ji. I will observe the birth centenary year of Bhupen for a full year. I request that the blessings of the Prime Minister ji be with us throughout this entire year. With this, I conclude my speech. Thank you very much. Jai Hind, Vande Mataram, Jai Assam. [Applause]
Thank you, sir. Under your able leadership, our cultural heritage is gaining new expansion, new energy, and a new identity.
Ladies and gentlemen, in a short while, a biographical book on Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika will be released. The author of this important work is Smt. Anuradha Sharma Pujari ji, a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award. I am pleased to inform you that the original author and the translators into 21 other languages are present among us today.
Now, I request the honorable Prime Minister to please release the original biographical book of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, written in the Assamese language, with his own hands. [Applause]
Thank you, sir. Now, I will again request the honorable Prime Minister ji to virtually release the translated books of this book into 21 other Indian languages. [Applause] [Music]
Thank you, sir.
Ladies and gentlemen, now a commemorative coin will be issued in the sacred memory of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, which will be a fitting tribute to this great son of the nation and another golden chapter recorded in history. The Reserve Bank of India has issued this silver commemorative coin worth ₹100. I once again humbly request the honorable Prime Minister ji to please release the commemorative coin. [Applause]
Thank you, sir.
Now, I humbly request the honorable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji, to please inspire and guide us with his insightful thoughts.
I will say, Bhupen, you say, "Amar rahe, amar rahe, Bhupen, Bhupen." [Applause] "May Bhupen live forever."
The Governor of Assam, Lakshman Prasad Acharya ji, the popular Chief Minister here, Hemanta Biswa Sarma ji, the young Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu ji, my colleague in the Union Cabinet, Sarbananda Sonowal ji, the brother of Bhupen Hazarika ji on stage, Shri Homen Hazarika ji, the sister of Bhupen Hazarika ji, Smt. Kabita Barua ji, the son of Bhupen, Shri Tej Hazarika ji, Tej, I will say, "Khem Chho?" (How are you?). Other dignitaries present, and my brothers and sisters of Assam. Today is a wonderful day, and this moment is priceless. The scene I witnessed here, the enthusiasm, the coordination I saw, the rhythm of Bhupen's music. If I may say in Bhupen's own words, the thought repeatedly came to my mind: "Samay O Dhire Chalo" (Time, O walk slowly). I wish this wave of Bhupen's music would flow everywhere, just like this, and keep flowing.
I greatly appreciate all the artists participating in this event. The spirit of Assam is such that a new record is set at every such event. Today too, your performance showed tremendous preparation. I congratulate you all. Congratulations to all of you.
Friends, just a few days ago, on September 8th, Bhupen Hazarika ji's birthday passed. On that day, I expressed my feelings in an article dedicated to Bhupen Da. It is my good fortune that I have the opportunity to participate in this event of his birth centenary year. Hemanta was just saying that I have done some favor by coming. It is the other way around. Coming to such a sacred occasion is my good fortune. [Applause]
We all affectionately called Bhupen 'Sudha Kontho' (Melodious Voice). This is from the Sudha...
It is the birth centenary year of Kantha. Who gave voice to the emotions of India. Who connected music with sensibility. Who cherished India's dreams in music. And who narrated the compassion of Mother Bharati from Mother Ganga. Why does Ganga flow? Why does Ganga flow? Friends, Bhupen Da created such immortal compositions that have been connecting India with their melodies. That have been stirring India's generations. Brothers and sisters, Bhupen is no longer physically among us, but his songs, his melodies, are still becoming witnesses to India's development journey. They are giving it energy. Our government is celebrating Bhupen Da's birth centenary year with great pride. We are taking the songs of Bhupen Hazarika, his messages, and his life journey to every household. Today, his biography has also been released here. On this occasion, I respectfully bow to Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. I congratulate every Indian, along with my brothers and sisters from Assam, on Bhupen's birth centenary year. Friends, Bhupen Hazarika served music throughout his life. When music becomes a spiritual practice, it touches our soul. And when music becomes a resolve, it becomes a medium to show society a new direction. This is why Bhupen's music was so special. The ideals he lived by, the experiences he had, he sang them in his songs. We see so much love for Mother Bharati in his songs because he lived the spirit of "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat" (One India, Great India). Look, he was born in the Northeast. The holy waves of the Brahmaputra taught him music. Then he went to Kashi for his graduation. Bhupen's musical journey, which began with the waves of the Brahmaputra, turned into accomplishment with the murmuring of the Ganga. The dynamism of Kashi gave his life a continuous flow. He became a wanderer. He traveled all over India. Then he even went to America for his PhD. But at every stage of his life, he remained connected to the soil of Assam like a true son. And that is why he returned to India. Here, in films, he became the voice of the common man. He gave voice to the pain of his life. That voice still stirs us today. His song "Manu hai manu hoor bhave jo diye o konu na bhave o koni hoanubhuti re bhavi vo konenu kua" means if humans themselves do not think about the happiness, sorrow, pain, and suffering of other humans, then who in this world will care for each other? Think about how much inspiration this thought gives us. With this idea in mind, India is today working to improve the lives of the poor, the downtrodden, the deprived, and the tribals in the villages. Friends, Bhupen was a great hero of India's unity and integrity. Decades ago, when the Northeast was a victim of neglect. When the Northeast was left to burn in the fire of violence and separatism. Even then, in that difficult time, Bhupen kept giving voice to India's unity. He dreamed of a prosperous Northeast. He sang songs for the Northeast, nestled in the amazing beauty of nature. He sang songs for Assam. "Nana jati upajati raho kusti anku wali loi hoi shil srishti ai mor hom desh" (May all castes and communities live together, united, creating a beautiful creation, this is my homeland). When we hum this song, we feel proud of the diversity of our Assam. We feel proud of Assam's strength and capability. Friends, he had equal love for Arunachal, and that is why the Chief Minister of Arunachal has come specially today. Bhupen wrote, "Arun kiran sheesh bhushan bhumi surmai sundara Arunachal hamara Arunachal hamara" (Arunachal, our Arunachal, adorned with the rays of the sun, the crown of beauty, a divine and beautiful land).
A voice that comes from the heart of a true patriot is never in vain. Today, we are working day and night to realize his dreams for the Northeast. Our government honored the dreams and self-respect of the Northeast by giving Bhupen Da the Bharat Ratna. And also made the Northeast a priority for the country. We built one of the longest bridges in the country, connecting Assam and Arunachal, and named it the Bhupen Hazarika Bridge. Today, Assam and the entire Northeast are progressing at a fast pace. New records are being set in every dimension of development. These achievements of development are a true tribute to Bhupen Da from the nation. Friends, our Assam, our Northeast, has always made a great contribution to India's cultural diversity. The history of this land, its festivals, its celebrations, its art, culture, its natural beauty, its divine aura, and along with all this, the sacrifices made by its people for the honor, pride, and defense of Mother India. Without this, we cannot imagine our great India. Our Northeast is a land of new light, new dawn for the country. The first dawn of the country also happens here. Bhupen gave voice to this very sentiment in his song. "Om a rupo hi guru na Bharat to re purbo dikho re huo utha desh" (Oh, the land of the rising sun, the East, is the guru of India). [Applause] Therefore, brothers and sisters, when we celebrate the history of Assam, only then is India's history complete, only then is India's joy complete, and we must keep moving forward with pride in this. Friends, when we talk about connectivity, people often think of rail, road, or air connectivity. But for the unity of the country, another connectivity is very important, and that is cultural connectivity. In the last 11 years, along with the development of the Northeast, the country has also given great importance to cultural connectivity. There is a campaign that is continuously ongoing. Today, in this event, we are seeing a glimpse of this campaign. Just a short while ago, we also celebrated the 400th birth anniversary of Veer Lachit Borphukan at the national level. In the freedom struggle too, how many fighters from Assam and the Northeast made unprecedented sacrifices. During the Amrit Mahotsav of Independence, we revived the history of the fighters and the region of the Northeast. Today, the entire country is becoming familiar with the history and contribution of our Assam. A short while ago, we also organized the Ashtalakshmi Festival in Delhi. In this event too, Assam's strength was visible, Assam's skill was visible. Friends, whatever the circumstances, Assam has always given voice to the nation's self-respect. This is the same voice we hear in Bhupen's songs. When the war of 1962 happened, Assam was witnessing that battle directly. Then Bhupen raised the nation's pledge. He sang at that time, "Jubaan rakho re bindu ha anant Hindu se haha durj lahare jhanjhi le pratigya jai re" (Hold your tongue, oh infinite Hindu, the formidable waves will bring victory to the pledge). That pledge filled the countrymen with new enthusiasm. Friends, the spirit and fervor that reside in the hearts of the countrymen today remain like a rock. We also saw this during Operation Sindoor. [Applause] The country responded to Pakistan's terrorist intentions in such a way that the echo of India's strength reached the entire world. We showed that India's enemy will not be safe anywhere. The new India will not compromise on its security and self-respect at any cost. Friends, every dimension of Assam's culture is wonderful, extraordinary. And that is why I often used to say that the day is not far when children of the country will read 'A for Assam'. This land is a source of culture, respect, and self-respect, as well as immense possibilities. Assam's attire, its cuisine, Assam's tourism, its products, we need to give them recognition not just in the country but in the entire world. You all know that I myself proudly promote Assam's Gamosa. Similarly, we need to take every product of Assam to every corner of the world. Friends, Bhupen's entire life was dedicated to the nation's goals. Today, on the occasion of Bhupen's birth centenary year, we must take a pledge of self-reliance for the country. I will appeal to my brothers and sisters of Assam. We must become brand ambassadors of 'Vocal for Local'. We must be proud of indigenous things. We must buy indigenous and sell indigenous. The more speed we give to these campaigns, the faster the dream of a developed India will be realized. Friends, Bhupen wrote a song at the age of 13. "Agni jugor firoti moton Bharat gim harbo harbos punar firaye aim natun Bharat gim" (The fire of the era is returning, the whole of India will be reborn, we will bring a new India). In this song, considering himself a spark of fire, he took a pledge to build a new India. A new India where every victim, every deprived person, gets their rights back. My brothers and sisters, the dream of a new India that Bhupen Da saw then has now become the nation's resolve. We must connect ourselves to this resolve. Today is the time. Let us keep the developed India of 2047 at the center of our every effort, our every resolve. We will get inspiration for this from Bhupen Da's songs. We will get it from his life. Our resolve will fulfill the dreams of Bhupen Hazarika. With this sentiment, I once again extend my heartfelt congratulations to all countrymen on Bhupen's birth centenary year. My request to all of you is to take out your mobile phones and pay tribute to Bhupen Da by turning on the flashlight of your mobile phones. Thousands and thousands of these lamps are paying tribute to Bhupen Da's immortal soul. Today's generation is adorning his melody with light. Thank you very much. Thank you, sir. We express our heartfelt gratitude for your speech. [Applause] So, the Prime Minister's tour of the Northeast, where he reached Guwahati, he participated in the Bhupen Hazarika centenary celebration, and through this platform, he made several important points.