Gogoi to ask Centre to confer Bharat Ratna on Bhupen Hazarika

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said his government would take up the matter with the Centre again to confer the Bharat Ratna award posthumously to cultural icon Bhupen Hazarika.
The state government has already written to the Centre on this matter and will pursue it again, the Chief Minister said while addressing a memorial service at the samadhi site of Hazarika on the occasion of his third death anniversary here today.
The state government would do everything possible to perpetuate the legend's memory and uphold the lofty ideals of humanism he stood for, he added.
"Hazarika took up cudgels against all forms of oppression and subjugation and tried to do away with all evils plaguing the society. He transcended the barriers of caste, creed and religion and wanted to build a society where everyone can live in peaceful co-existence," Gogoi said.

A lasting tribute which can be paid to the great soul is to build a new and prosperous Assam, where every community lives in complete peace and harmony, he said.
"Our government will set up open air stages and parks in all the 219 development blocks to perpetuate the memory of Hazarika," he said.
Hazarika not only enriched the Assamese art and culture but also propagated it throughout the world through his creations, he added.
In another function held to commemorate Hazarika's death anniversary at Rampur in Kamrup (Rural) district, Gogoi laid the foundation stone of an open air stage and a park in memory of the late maestro.