‘Like Bob Dylan, Bhupen Hazarika’s songs will be sung’

GUWAHATI: Even as Bhupen Hazarika’s son, Tej Hazarika, sparked off a debate in the state over the authority of the Bhupen Hazarika Cultural Trust, which is meant to preserve the music maestro’s works, by saying, “I have zero trust in the trust announced in my father’s name”, cultural activists in the city said no one can stop the people from singing Hazarika’s songs with the binding of copyright.
Hazarika’s nephew, Rishiraj Sarma, and his sister, Sudakshina Sarma, were of the view that no trust can stop people from singing Bhupen Hazarika’s songs. “There should not be any legal hassles involved in singing Bhupen mama’s songs in a public gathering or place. However, a trust is required to look after the documentation and release of his works in printed form. But, while doing so, the responsibility should be conferred on an expert in the field who understand the philosophy of Bhupen Hazarika and has a good image in the society. The person may not me a member of the trust,” said Rishiraj, who is also a singer.
Eminent singer Loknath Goswami rubbished the ongoing debate and said that above technical and legal bindings is the fact that the legendary icon will be remembered as a people’s artist. “Bhupenda wanted to serve the people through music. He sought to bring change in the society. Like Paul Robson, Bob Dylan and Sankardev, Bhupen Hazarika’s songs will be sung,” said Goswami. He said it is inconsequential who is included in or excluded from the committee; the people of Assam should keep a constant eye on the activities of the committee. “The most important thing is whether the committee constituted to preserve the works of Bhupen Hazarika has done anything constructive or not,” Rishiraj said.
He added on Thursday morning he went to the Nizarapar residence of the bard and met both Kalpana Lajmi and Tej Hazarika, but he was not aware that press statements had been prepared. “As a cultural activist, I have always believed that Bhupen Hazarika’s philosophy should be spread among the people and should go forward to the next generation” Rishiraj observed.
The secretary general of Asom Sahitya Sabha, Paramananda Rajbongshi, said, “Bhupenda’s works are not the property of a family. The are national property. The trust earlier said that they would welcome ideas from various national organizations but we are yet to see their words matching acts. We are waiting for their call.”