Guwahati (Assam) [India], September 13 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tribute to legendary singer and Bharat Ratna recipient Bhupen Hazarika during his birth centenary celebrations in Guwahati and said Bhupen Da kept giving voice to the unity of India even during the difficult times when North East was "left to burn in the fire of violence and separatism."
Hailing Bhupen Hazarika as a great champion of India's unity and integrity, the Prime Minister stressed that the government is working to realise his dreams of a prosperous North-East.
"Bhupen Da (elder brother) was a great champion of India's unity and integrity. Decades ago, when the North East was a victim of neglect, the North East was left to burn in the fire of violence and separatism, Bhupen da kept giving voice to the unity of India even in those difficult times. He dreamt of a prosperous North East. He sang songs for the North East. He sang songs for Assam. Today, we are working day and night to realise his dreams for the North East," PM Modi said.
PM Modi said it is a fortune to participate in the birth centenary celebrations of Bhupen Hazarika.
"Just a few days ago, on 8th September, on the occassion of Bhupen Hazarika's birthday, I expressed my feelings in an article dedicated to Bhupen da. It is my good fortune that I have got the opportunity to participate in this event of his birth centenary year. Just now, (CM) Hemanta was saying that I have done a favour by coming here. On the contrary, it is my good fortune to come on such a holy occasion," PM Modi said.
PM Modi also shared that people used to lovingly call Bhupen Da 'Sudha Kontho," he added that even though "Bhupen Da is no longer physically present among us, but his songs, his voice, are still witnessing India's development journey, giving it energy. Our government is celebrating Bhupen Da's birth centenary year with great pride."
PM Modi also spoke about Operation Sindoor, reiterating that the new India will not compromise on its security and self-respect at any cost."
"The country gave such a reply to Pakistan's terrorist designs that the echo of India's strength has reached the whole world. We have shown that India's enemy will not be safe in any corner. New India will not compromise on its security and self-respect at any cost," PM Modi said.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed PM Modi for attending the celebrations. "Today, PM Narendra Modi ji has come among us and honoured Bhupen Da, we the people of Assam will never forget this, and we will always remember the Prime Minister for this reason," he said
PM Modi also released the 'Commemorative Coin and Stamp' in honour of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika