Emotional Farewell to Dr. Bhupen Hazarika by Boston Assamese Community - Parthajit Baruah

The Boston Assamese community gathered together on Sunday, Nov 13th to pay an emotional farewell to Dr.Bhupen Hazarika. Having to accept the bitter truth that the balladeer will sing no more, the mood was understandably solemn. Pushpanjali was offered to a garlanded photo of Bhupenda while "Eta Gaan Xex hoi gol",Dr.Amarjyoti Chaudhury's brilliant ode to the maestro played in the background. This was followed by "Naamghoxa" recital to pray for Bhupenda's eternal peace. The children, some about the same age as Bhupenda when he sang his first song, listened with rapt attention to numerous milestones in Dr.Hazarika's rich and colorful life, a lot to learn from, plenty to be proud of.

Those who had the great fortune of meeting one of the greatest cultural communicators gave stirring eulogies and recounted memorable incidents from his life. A poem composed in his honor was read out. The assembled mourners comforted each other by taking pride in the fact that they share the fragrance of the same soil graced by the icon and resolved to keep his memory alive in their hearts and to preserve the treasure trove he left behind. Following the distribution of Mah-praxad, the assembled gathering spontaneously broke into his numerous songs, turning the occasion into a joyful celebration of his extraordinary life. Though death has silenced the Jajabor, his message of peace and caring for the weak and the downtrodden, of amity and harmony and love for Assam and India will continue to be carried forward for ever. Goodbye Xudhakantha