Bharat Ratna to Bhupen Hazarika: Honour for me; my statement was misinterpreted, says son

Tej Hazarika, son of noted Assamese singer-composer Bhupen Hazarika, on Friday clarified that his earlier statement was misinterpreted.

According to sources, Tej has claimed that it is an honour for him and his family to receive the Bharat Ratna conferred on late Bhupen Hazarika.

In a letter to the Government of India, Tej wrote: "It is unfortunate that (some) people would completely misinterpret my public statement dated 11th February 2019 regarding the Bharat Ratna itself by sadly misrepresenting my view of it."

On February 11, Tej had reportedly stated that he is against accepting the coveted award to protest against the Citizenship Bill, which seeks to give citizenship to non-Muslim immigrants in Assam.

Sources also informed that Tej is honoured to accept the award. Tej's letter read, "The Government of India has graciously extended me an invitation to accept the Bharat Ratna for my father. It is a tremendous honour, for me and my family to be invited by the GOI to accept the Bharat Ratna on behalf of my late father. It will be my dreamlike privilege to receive it for my father and his fans and followers everywhere.