Guwahati, April 19: In a major development for Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and secured his confirmation to attend multiple landmark events in the state, including the launch of year-long birth centenary celebrations of music legend Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika.
The 20-minute meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s official residence, where Sarma personally extended invitations to Modi to be the chief guest at key events on September 8, 2025. These include the inauguration of the Bhupen Hazarika birth centenary celebrations, the Assam Bio-Ethanol Plant, and the laying of foundation stones for the Rs. 5,700 crore Guwahati Ring Road and the Darrang Medical College and Hospital.
“The Prime Minister graciously accepted all the invitations,” the Chief Minister confirmed, calling the upcoming visit “a matter of great honour for Assam.”
Posting on X, Sarma wrote, “It was my privilege to meet Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji in New Delhi today.
I had the honour of inviting him to Assam as the Chief Guest for the inaugural ceremony of the year-long celebration of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s birth centenary.”
Modi’s participation adds national weight to what will be Assam’s most ambitious cultural and infrastructure showcase in years.
Centenary of a cultural icon
Earlier this month, the Assam Cabinet greenlit an elaborate year-long program to mark Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s 100th birth anniversary, beginning September 8, 2025. The celebrations will continue until September 8, 2026, with events planned across major Indian cities, including Guwahati, New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Itanagar.
A 50-member committee led by CM Sarma will steer the program, with all Northeast Chief Ministers as patrons—symbolizing Hazarika’s role as a cultural bridge across the region. “Dr. Hazarika is not just a musician—he’s a cultural institution,” Sarma stated. “This celebration will reflect the depth of his legacy.”
As part of the tribute
A biographical book by renowned author Anuradha Sarma Pujari will be published and distributed to 10 lakh people, with translations into all major Indian languages.
A documentary film on Hazarika’s life will be made in Assamese, Hindi, and English.
A major state infrastructure project will be named after him (details to follow).
Schools across Assam will host awareness programs and tributes to educate students on his contributions.
A push for progress
Alongside cultural recognition, Sarma’s meeting with the PM also focused on infrastructure and green energy. The Assam Bio-Ethanol Plant, built to produce 49 KTPA ethanol using bamboo as feedstock, is a flagship sustainable energy project. Meanwhile, the Guwahati Ring Road and the Darrang Medical College are expected to significantly boost connectivity and healthcare in the state.
All these projects will be launched or flagged off in one high-profile event in September with the Prime Minister in attendance—a move that underscores the Centre’s growing focus on Assam and the Northeast.
