Galongs of Siang

Khamtis of Luit

Wangsu of Tirap

I hear them call me...

I embraced my Apatani sister/With love she took me in.../I embraced my Monpa brother.../Who gifted me an idol of Buddha

(Translated lyrics of the song Siyangore Galong)

A popular song composed on unity among the tribes of the Northeast on the soil of Arunachal Pradesh in 1961 by musician Bhupen Hazarika came to mind on Saturday.

The state inaugurated a 10-foot bronze statue of Bhupenda, who still dwells in the hearts and valleys of the Northeast.

This was his first statue unveiled in Arunachal Pradesh.

The statue, sculpted by Bhaskar Biren Singh, has been erected on land donated by Hazarika’s childhood friend and former MLA of Arunachal Pradesh, Gora Pertin.

Pertin’s family donated the land at Bolung village, near Assam’s Sadiya where he was born and spent his childhood with his parents, in Lower Dibang Valley district, around 15km west of Roing.

Addressing the gathering during the inauguration ceremony as chief guest, Arunachal chief minister Pema Khandu named it “Statue of Brotherhood”.

Lauding Hazarika for his efforts towards unity of the Northeast, Khandu said, “Bhupenda will always be remembered for his contribution to promote the culture of the Northeast. Through his songs, he always tried to unite the Northeast.”

Responding to a similar proposal by deputy chief minister Chowna Mein, Assam power minister Tapan Gogoi and The Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society, Khandu said: “We propose to include Assamese as the third language in some parts of the district. The proposal will be discussed by the cabinet.”

Gogoi, who was present at the inaugural ceremony, said, “The Assam government had already allowed 200 bighas land near the Dr Bhupen Hazarika Setu to set up a cultural centre to preserve the cultures of tribes of the Northeast, and the life of music maestro Hazarika. The centre will also be a place for research.”

Asam Sahitya Sabha president Parmananda Rajbonshi, Dambuk MLA Gum Tayeng, Roing MLA Mutchu Mithi, deputy commissioner of Roing Mitali Namchoom, superintendent of police Sanjay Sain, family members of Hazarika and Pertin, sculptor Singh and local residents were present at the function.

A book on Hazarika’s life, Setu Bandha, incorporating translations of his work on Arunachal Pradesh, was released by the society during the function.

The state government had allocated Rs 30 lakh for the statue in 2015 as a tribute to the legendary singer.

Arunachal chief minister Pema Khandu and Assam power minister Tapan Gogoi during the inauguration of the statue of Bhupen Hazarika at Bolung in Lower Dibang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday. UB Photos