Bhupen Hazarika's ashes brought to Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki Monday brought to Itanagar an urn containing the ashes of legendary musician Bhupen Hazarika, whose mortal remains were consigned to flames in Guwahati on Wednesday.

Honouring the deep attachment of Hazarika with the state, the Assam government had consented to hand over the ashes following a request by Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS) that the cultural icon's ashes be immersed in the major rivers of Arunachal Pradesh.

On reaching Naharlagun heliport, the urn was taken to Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum in a decorated vehicle with people singing traditional songs.

The ashes will be kept at the Museum till tomorrow for the public to pay their homage, official sources said.

The ashes would be sent to different places and immersed in major rivers -- Siang, Subansiri, Kameng, Lohit, Tirap and especially in Dibang river as he was born at Bolung village on the bank of the river, the sources said.

A part of the ashes had been immersed at Parashuram Kund, a pilgrimage site, in Lohit district yesterday.

Hazarika produced, directed, and composed the music for the state’s first Hindi feature film in colour - Meri Maa Mera Dharam - in 1977.

He also directed a colour documentary for the Arunachal Pradesh government on tribal folk songs and dances entitled ‘For Whom The Sun Shines’ in 1974. In 1977 the state government awarded him a Gold Medal for his contribution towards tribal welfare, and upliftment of tribal culture through cinema and music.

Influenced by the natural beauty of Arunachal Pradesh (then NEFA) and its rich culture, Hazarika translated his feelings in most of his early songs  - Hamara Arunachal, Budha Luit (Lohit), Tirap simanta rupar nai anta, man khoney khoney binay, Asom aamar rupahi gunarr nai sesh Bhrater purba deshar surjya ootha desh, Siangare Gallong Luitarey Khamti, kata jawanar mritu haal (referring to 1962 Chinese aggression).