By Nava Thakuria*
Bhupen Hazarika Legacy Fuels Roots Quest at PLF
Guwahati: In a stirring call to revive forgotten roots, the third Pragjyotishpur Literature Festival (PLF) 2025 burst into life at the majestic Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra in Guwahati, themed “In Search of Roots” to unearth Assam’s profound cultural bedrock and reconnect generations with India’s enduring heritage.
The inaugural session on Friday, November 14, pulsed with inspiration as internationally acclaimed author Shefali Baidya took the stage for the keynote address. With a warm smile and a voice that bridged continents, she celebrated the festival’s remarkable growth, a beacon drawing the youth closer to their ancestral wisdom. Opening in fluid Assamese, she wove in the immortal melodies of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, reminding everyone of the lyrical treasures hidden in the far eastern corners of Bharat. Her words lingered like a gentle river current, pulling the audience into a shared reverence for language and legacy.
Bhupen Hazarika’s legacy loomed large throughout the day, a towering force that continues to shape Assam’s identity like the mighty Brahmaputra carving its path through the landscape. Known as the Bard of the Brahmaputra, his songs weren’t just music—they were social commentaries wrapped in soul-stirring rhythms, championing the downtrodden, celebrating nature’s fury and beauty, and weaving Assamese folklore with universal human struggles. From ballads that echoed the pains of partition to anthems of unity across ethnic divides, Hazarika’s work bridged rural heartlands with urban aspirations, earning him adoration far beyond the Northeast and cementing his role as a cultural architect whose verses still ignite movements for justice and preservation.
Chief guest Nanda Singh Barkola, a towering figure in literature, added his own vibrant strokes to the canvas. He spoke of India’s rising prominence on the world stage, then delved deeper, sketching the nation’s rich tapestry of traditions. Tying seamlessly into the theme, he quoted Bhupen-da’s beloved anthem, “Karbi Anglong Oti Numoliya,” urging a bold step back to pre-Sankari eras to revive overlooked literary gems. His passion was infectious, turning abstract history into a living call to action.
Assam has emerged as a vibrant hub for literature festivals in recent years, with events like the Guwahati International Book Fair and the Brahmaputra Literary Festival joining PLF in fostering intellectual discourse amid the region’s lush tea gardens and riverine vistas. These gatherings do more than showcase books—they serve as vital platforms for indigenous voices, tribal narratives, and ecological concerns, countering mainstream neglect and nurturing a literary ecosystem that honours multilingualism while addressing contemporary issues like climate change and identity in a rapidly modernising state.
The ceremony gained further gravitas with addresses from Lieutenant General (Retd) Rana Pratap Kalita, chairman of the organising Sankardev Education and Research Foundation, and PLF president Phanindra Kumar Dev Choudhury. Their presence underscored the festival’s commitment to education and preservation, bridging military discipline with artistic fervour in a rare harmony.
As the day unfolded, the first panel discussion ignited thoughtful debate on “Transformation and Expansion of Assamese Lyric Literature: From the Nineties to the Present Era.” Moderated by the talented lyricist and composer Gautam Sharma, it featured cultural luminaries Tarun Kalita, Diganta Bharati, and Ibason Lal Baruah. They shared stories of evolution and challenges, expressing a guarded hope for Assamese as a thriving, breathing language amid modern tides. Laughter mingled with reflection, as personal anecdotes illuminated the path from past to future.
The three-day litfest’s opening day crescendoed in a poetry recital that lit up the evening like fireworks. Fourteen poets, a mix of fresh voices and seasoned bards, stepped forward to share their original creations. Each verse was a thread in the festival’s grand weave, evoking emotions that ranged from nostalgia to quiet triumph.
A standout moment occurred with the unveiling of the festival’s magazine, “Pragjyoti,” a glossy tribute that brims with insights and artistry. And in a touching prelude earlier that morning, participants gathered to offer floral tributes to Assam’s enduring icons: the soulful Sudhakantha Bhupen Hazarika, the multifaceted Pranar Shilpi Zubeen Garg, and the enchanting flute maestro Deepak Sharma—petals scattered like memories, honouring those who continue to inspire generations.
In this vibrant kickoff, PLF 2025 didn’t just start—it planted seeds for a cultural renaissance, reminding all that true progress lies in knowing where we come from.
*Senior journalist
