Echo of Poverty in the Songs of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika

Abstract

Dr. Bhupen Hazarika is one of the most renowned personalities in the Indian music. He was a multifaceted talent ranging across several arenas.  He was an Indian playback singer who excelled in various roles such as a lyricist, composer, singer, music director, screenwriter, film director, actor, educator, writer, editor, social reformer and politician at the same time. His fame extended beyond the boundaries of the state of Assam and India, making a robust impact on the global stage.  He is a bright star in the Assamese cultural world. Bhupen Hazarika composed and sang his songs for the poor and oppressed in his efforts to promote human love, equality and brotherhood. His songs appealed mostly to the downtrodden and deprived sections of society.

Every song of the artist is incomparable with his sweet combination of emotions and words and his unique skill in composing melodies and his own appeal. Dr. Hazarika's songs also reflect contemporary social life. He had a profound love for people and therefore he depicted all the pictures of happiness and sorrow, laughter and tears, hopes and despair through his songs. He is popularly known as ‘Bard of Brahmaputra’ and ‘Sudhakantha’.