Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan on Thursday launched a book on music icon Bhupen Hazarika, whom he described as a genius and a symbol of creativity.

Bhupen Hazarika: Volume II, edited by Utpal Mena and translated by Bhairabanan Borah, has contributions from A.R. Rahman, Saira Banu and Raveena Tandon among others.

In the first volume, the editors made an attempt to bring out the larger implications of Hazarika's work by evaluating, elucidating and delineating his various perspectives.

In this volume, more emphasis has been given to close textual analysis of Hazarika's works.

The present volume essays Hazarika's music, political and cultural philosophy. It comprises a variety of interpretation dependent on contemporary ideas, the editors say.

The volume randomly puts together many pieces of writing on Hazarika — stories penned by people who he happened to come across in his life's journey, some analytical writings on his lyrical compositions, research work, and sociopolitical involvements. The book also covers a few memoirs on his death.

Pieces of writings originally in Assamese, Bengali, Nepali and Marathi have been reproduced in English translation.

The authors go on to present how Hazarika through his music held up to his listeners a mirror to life.

At the launch at the Srimanta Sankaradeva Bhavan in Delhi on Wednesday, Khan hailed Hazarika as an extremely learned person.

“It is very rare that a musician is also a poet. Historically, many musicians did not get a chance to go to school or colleges as they were busy practising. But Bhupenda was such an exception. He was a symbol of creativity as a singer, composer, writer and lyricist. He was a gifted, committed and versatile musician,” he said.

Khan also said Hazarika popularised Assam's folk music through his songs.

His wife Subhalakshmi Barooah, a famous Bharatanatyam dancer, recalled several anecdotes related to Hazarika.

National Award-winning filmmaker and film critic Utpal Borpujari stressed on the need to translate more works of Hazarika.

The book has been published by Mrinal Sarma of Chitrachal, Guwahati.